Chance Fire prompts voluntary evacuations in Ruidoso

RUIDOSO, N.M. — First responders are battling the Chance Fire, a 10.3-acre grass fire in the area of Chance Loop in Cedar Creek.

Dozens of crews and aircraft responded to the fire zone, and were able to slow the forward progress of the fire. It is 5% contained.

The Bonito Fire Department said there are active evacuations for Spring Canyon and Chance Loop. They are asking the public to please stay out of the area and respect all first responders headed to the scene.

Those living in the Cedar Creek Alpine Village can voluntarily evacuate, according to the National Weather Service.

There are currently no mandatory evacuations in place at this time. No structures have been burned.

According to New Mexico State Forestry, the fire is on private land west of Ruidoso. They said it is a human-caused fire.

Officials will keep monitoring the fire overnight.

PNM is aware of a wildfire in Ruidoso. At this time, all PNM customers in Ruidoso have power and there is zero impact to PNM poles, wires, or other infrastructure. We will continue to monitor the situation, working with fire officials and first responders. #ruidoso

— PNM (@PNMtalk) June 23, 2023