Several areas of southern New Mexico have been ordered to evacuate after a fast-moving wildfire spread across the state on Monday.

Authorities for the village of Ruidoso issued a mandatory “GO” evacuation order due to the South Fork Fire, telling residents to evacuate immediately without attempting to collect their belongings or protect their homes.

Other areas under evacuation orders span Mescalero, Otero and Lincoln counties including Rudioso Downs, Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Ponderosa Heights, Alpine Village, Cedar Creek, Lower Eagle Creek, Alto Lakes, Sonterra 1, 2 and 3, West Gavilan, Sun Valley, Sierra Vista, Villa Madonna and Ski Run Road.

Authorities are urging residents to evacuate using Highway 70, in the direction of Roswell.

The fire started on Monday around 9am on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, where officials have declared a state of emergency in response to the blaze.

The area is home to over 7,000 residents. An estimated 500 structures have been impacted so far. The Public Service Company of New Mexico shut off electricity to part of Ruidoso due to the fire. The decision affected 778 customers, the provider said in a Facebook post.

“Public safety is a top priority and we do not take this decision lightly but are doing all we can to work in lockstep with our first responders who are helping the communities who are impacted,” the utility provider wrote.

The South Fork Fire had burned over 13,000 acres on Monday, and another blaze, dubbed the Salt Fire, has destroyed 4,000 acres. Both fires are currently at 0 per cent containment. A team specialized in handling multiple fires will be taking over command of the firefighting on Tuesday afternoon, according to the municipal website of the village of Ruidoso.

Weather conditions on Tuesday are expected to be similar to Monday with 15-20mph winds, and low humidity with officials planning “massive” air attacks. Officials have described the conditions as “near critical fire weather”. Authorities have set up several emergency shelters and animal shelters in response to the blaze.

The Red Cross has reported 270 individuals checked in to shelters in Roswell, and 120 in Capitan, according to New Mexico fire agencies. Further evacuation numbers will be released once an approximate count has been generated.