Wildfire Breaks Out Near Ruidoso, School Canceled Tuesday

A wildfire broke out near Ruidoso, New Mexico Monday afternoon prompting school closures for Tuesday.

The fire broke out near the top of Moon Mountain behind Ruidoso High School. The fire started Monday afternoon and has grown to over 175 acres by Monday night. Kerry Gladden, the Village of Ruidoso spokesperson said that as of Monday night no structures were being threatened. Fire crews were hiking towards the fire Monday night while water drops were also beginning.

Residents south of Moon Mountain have a precautionary evacuation alert but are not required to evacuate. To find out the exact locations of the precautionary evacuation alert please check out the KOB4 website.

The Ruidoso Municipal School District has cancelled all classes for Tuesday, while the fire crews are using the Ruidoso High School parking lot as a staging area. The fire line for the fire crews has been set up behind the school.

The fire was first reported around 2 p.m. and by the time State forestry confirmed the fire at 6:15 it had grown to 100 acres. Officials said the fire was 30% contained at 8 p.m.

For questions about the evacuation, contact the Ruidoso Municipal School District at 575-630-7000.