Ruidoso fires reach 24K acres, utilities remain down
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, burning near Ruidoso, New Mexico, continue to grow and together are estimated to be over 24,000 acres as of Friday morning, June 21, according to the New Mexico Forestry Division.
The South Fork Fire is estimated at 16,349 acres with 0 containment. The Salt Fire is estimated at 7,652 acres with 0 containment, according to the Forestry Division.
A spokesperson with the Lincoln County Fire and Emergency Services says residents in the Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Glencoe, San Patricio, Angus, Bonito Lake, Alto, and Sierra Blanca Airport areas are on “SET” for flooding on Friday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated a possible high-flow event.
The Forestry Division says electricity, water, internet, and phones remain shut down across both fires.
“Crews on the South Fork fire continue engaging the fire with hand tools directly at its edge, utilizing hose along handlines and dozer lines to extinguish smoldering fuels and building fireline with machinery. Firefighters will also continue to conduct mop up operations, extinguishing and/or removing burning material along the fire’s edge to reduce the likelihood of fire creeping past control lines, where feasible,” the Forestry Division said.
More than 1,000 personnel are currently at the sites with 22 crews, 87 engines, 15 dozers, and 16 water tenders. There are also helicopters and air tankers available for bucket and retardant drops, according to the Forestry Division.
Cooler temperatures, humidity, and light winds are expected on Friday. Thunderstorms are also expected and potentially impact areas with heavy rain, flash flooding, and debris flows Friday afternoon.
“Firefighters on the Salt fire will construct control lines, prepare new lines where needed, and conduct point protection to protect private property and critical infrastructure in the area. Ground and air ignitions will be used where needed to burn out fuels between constructed firelines and active fire,” the Forestry Division said.
The Forestry Division also says a South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order was issued on Thursday for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District. The area is closed to the public.
President Joe Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the fires on Thursday, June 20. Federal funds will help impacted communities in Lincoln and Otero counties, according to Rep. Gabe Vasquez who announced the news on his X account.
President Biden issues Major Disaster Declaration for wildfires
Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed Texas emergency management resources to New Mexico in response to the wildfires and flash flooding impacting the state, his office announced on Thursday.
Two people have died from the fire, according to New Mexico State Police.
State Police identified one of the victims as Patrick Pearson, 60, who was found dead near the Swiss Chalet Motel, located at 1451 N Mechem Road on Tuesday, June 18. He was found on the side of the road.
State Police say Pearson sustained numerous burns from the fire and died as a result of his injuries.
“We are at a loss for words, and we are so heartbroken that this happened,” family friend Christiana Alvarez told KTSM.
Pearson’s family has created a GoFundMe for funeral costs. To access that, click here.
State Police also confirmed a second death, stating that they found a person in the driver’s seat of a burned vehicle on Ranier Road during the South Fork Fire just before noon on Tuesday in Ruidoso.
State Police say the person is unidentified at this time, due to the person’s condition being skeletal remains. “No legible identification documents were located in the burned vehicle,” State Police said.
A community meeting was held on Thursday which discussed the fires’ status. To watch that meeting, click here: South Fork and Salt Fires Community Meeting.
The State of New Mexico also launched a new wildfire dashboard on Thursday that will provide real-time updates and critical information on both fires, according to the Governor’s Office.
To access the dashboard, click here: Wildfire Updates | State of New Mexico.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, representatives Vasquez and Melanie Stansbury, along with Mescalero tribal officials and other stakeholders were briefed by Otero County officials on the relief status of the wildfires on Wednesday.
Vasquez said the most important thing right now is preventing the loss of life and Stansbury stressed the importance of evacuating.
State, local leaders briefed on firefighting progress for Ruidoso wildfires
An estimated 8,000 people have been evacuated from the area and the Village of Ruidoso continues to be under mandatory evacuation. Ruidoso Downs was also ordered to evacuate on Tuesday.
For more information on evacuations, shelters, and road closures, click here and scroll to the “Evacuations” section: South Fork Fire and Salt Fire information hub | Village of Ruidoso.
For those seeking reunification with friends and loved ones, call the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
For those with questions, you can call the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 202-794-5044.
To donate to those who have been affected by the fire, click on our story below.
Local, regional agencies offer assistance to residents affected by Ruidoso fires
The Forestry Division says the cause of the fires is currently under investigation.
Both fires are burning on Mescalero tribal land, US Forest Service land, and the area surrounding Ruidoso. The Forestry Division says the South Fork Fire was discovered at 9 a.m., Monday, June 17.
This story will be updated when we receive more information.
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