Containment number for Ruidoso fires on the rise; residents set to return Monday: recap

The two wildfires near Ruidoso continue to burn thousands of acres in southern New Mexico.

The fires started Monday, June 17, and displaced about 8,000 people. The Village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs continue to be in evacuation status and road closures are also in effect. The fires have caused the loss of approximately 1,400 structures, according to the Village of Ruidoso.

The South Fork Fire is burning on Mescalero Tribal, U.S. Forest Service land and areas around Ruidoso. The Salt Fire is also active on the Mescalero Reservation.

FBI seeks tips on Ruidoso fires, offers $10,000 reward

A $10,000 reward is being offered by the FBI to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrests and convictions of the person or people responsible for starting the New Mexico wildfires.

The FBI announcement of the reward Saturday, June 22, is the first time law enforcement officials have said a person or a group of people could be responsible for starting the deadly fires.

- Aaron Martinez

Ruidoso residents set to return Monday

With containment numbers for both fires on the rise, Village of Ruidoso officials said Saturday that residents would be allowed to return at 8 a.m. Monday, June 24.

Only local, full-time residents will be allowed to return to Ruidoso at this time, and they are being asked to return with at least a week's worth of food and drinking water as grocery stores are still not operating at full capacity.

In many cases, residents will be returning to homes without electricity, gas or water.

-Adam Powell

Containment numbers changing

South Fork Fire: 16,614 acres; containment: 26%

Salt Fire: 7,652 acres; containment: 7%

Numbers provided by the Village of Ruidoso

- Aaron Bedoya

Update on Ruidoso fire

South Fork Fire: 16,349 acres; containment: 0%

Salt Fire: 7,652 acres; containment: 0%

Personnel: Over 1,000

Numbers provided by the Village of Ruidoso

- Aaron Bedoya

What is wildfire containment?

The Salt Fork and Salt Fire have destroyed more than 1,400 structures in Ruidoso, N.M. over the past week. But wildfire commanders say recent thunderstorms have helped slower the fires’ spread.

Despite progress in saving homes and lives, the twin wildfires, which have claimed at least two lives, remain a threat. Meanwhile, authorities report the fires remain at “Containment: 0%.”

So what is wildfire containment: “Wildfire containment is the status of a wildfire suppression action signifying that a control line has been completed around the fire, and any associated spot fires, which can reasonably be expected to stop the fires spread,” according to the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

- El Paso Times staff

Utility outages persist in South Fork Fire, Salt Fire areas

Utility services, including electricity, water, internet and phones, remain shut down across the South Fork and Salt fires areas. The outages will continue to impact communications, making it difficult to contact residents and visitors, Village of Ruidoso officials said.

- Aaron Bedoya

Albertsons Ruidoso store not burned down

Reports that one of Ruidoso's main grocery stores was destroyed by the Ruidoso fires are wrong.

Here is an update provided June 19 by an Albertsons official:

"The fire has not affected Albertsons Market at this time. The store is currently closed as per Ruidoso's evacuation guidelines. We will reopen once it is safe for our team members to return to the Ruidoso area."

- El Paso Times staff

Ruidoso wildfire update: Containment, acres burned

South Fork Fire: 16,349 acres; containment: 0%: Crews on the South Fork Fire are using hand tools, hoses and machinery to engage the fire directly at its edge. They are building firelines to extinguish smoldering fuels and prevent the fire from spreading.

Salt Fire: 7,652 acres; containment: 0%: Firefighters battling the Salt Fire are constructing control lines, preparing new lines as necessary and implementing point protection measures to safeguard private property and critical infrastructure. They are also utilizing ground and air ignitions to burn out fuels between established firelines and the active fire area.

Numbers and information provided by the state of New Mexico.

- Aaron Bedoya

Swiss Chalet Ruidoso burns down

The Swiss Chalet Hotel and the surrounding area were damaged in the South Fork Fire, as shown in the image below.

The hotel was built in 1962, according to its website.

- Aaron Bedoya

New Mexico fire map

View fires across New Mexico on the map below.

Having trouble viewing the map? Click here.

- Aaron Bedoya

Border Patrol sends agents to assist in Ruidoso fires

The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector sent agents from El Paso and Alamogordo, New Mexico, to assist with the Ruidoso fire, officials said. The El Paso Sector oversees West Texas and all of New Mexico.

"Our hearts go out to the Ruidoso community," U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Anthony "Scott" Good said on X. "To the brave firefighters and law enforcement, stay safe. We stand with you, New Mexico!"

- Aaron Martinez

Ruidoso seeks monetary donations as sites overwhelmed

The Village of Ruidoso has expressed gratitude for the influx of donations received during the ongoing wildfires. However, the number of items at donation drop-off locations is becoming overwhelming.

To better support relief efforts, people are encouraged to make monetary donations to The Community Foundation of Lincoln County. Contributions can be made at www.cfolc.org.

- Aaron Bedoya

Update on Ruidoso fire containment, acres burned

South Fork Fire: 16,335 acres; containment: 0%

Salt Fire: 7,071 acres; containment: 0%

Personnel: 824

Numbers provided by the Village of Ruidoso

- Aaron Bedoya

Closure for Smokey Bear Ranger District

The Lincoln National Forest has issued an updated area closure for the Smokey Bear Ranger District, encompassing National Forest System lands, roads and trails. This order aims to ensure the safety of firefighter personnel and the public as firefighting efforts continue on the wildfires, officials said.

Violating this closure is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties for violations can include fines of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, officials said.

The Village of Ruidoso urges all residents and visitors to respect the closure order for their safety and to support the efforts of our dedicated firefighting personnel. Stay updated and stay safe.

Click here for more info.

- Aaron Bedoya

Ruidoso fire cause

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fires, officials said at a news conference Thursday, June 20, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The cause of the fires remains unknown.

FBI officials have asked anyone with information on the cause of the fires to contact the agency by calling 1-800-225-5324 or online at tips.fbi.gov.

- Adam Powell

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ruidoso fires update: South Fork Fire, Salt Fire containment rising