South Fork and Salt Fire Incident Update: June 22, 2024 – Ruidoso-NM.gov

Effective Saturday, June 22, 2024, area closures will remain in effect due to ongoing hazards from the South Fork and Salt fires. Fire personnel are working diligently to assess and remove these hazards, which include downed power lines, damaged infrastructure, localized flooding, and fire-weakened trees. The safety of firefighters and the public is our top priority, and we urge everyone to use extra caution due to the presence of emergency vehicles and fire equipment on the roadways.

Daily update:

• Public information line: 575-323-8258 or 575-323-8378

• Press Information Line: 575-323-8053

• Telephone hours: 8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.

• E-mail: [email protected]

• Area: South Fork – 16,614; Salt – 7,652

• Start date: June 17, 2024

• Location: South Fork – Ruidoso area; Salt – 7 miles west of Mescalero, NM

• Staff: 1.109

• Containment: South Fork – 26%; Salt – 7%

• Fuels: Conifer mix, grass, pine/juniper

• Resources: 23 crew members, 94 engines, 14 bulldozers, 18 tank fire engines. Helicopters and firefighting aircraft are available for dropping buckets and extinguishing agents when conditions permit.

Although recent rains have mitigated fire activity, significant hazards remain in affected areas. Residents and visitors should remain alert and follow all evacuation and closure orders. Firefighters continue to work to establish fire breaks, patrol and monitor hot spots. Damage and structure assessments are ongoing, and emergency crews are prepared to respond to any new starts or flare-ups.

Widespread rainfall on Friday resulted in minimal fire behavior. However, conditions are expected to improve on Saturday, allowing crews to resume firefighting efforts. The fire remains active, particularly in heavy leaf litter and dead/fallen fuels, and smoke will continue. Hazards such as fire-weakened trees and damaged infrastructure remain concerns.

A high pressure system moving in on Saturday will bring lower humidity, higher temperatures and scattered clouds. Expect sunny mornings with light winds and isolated thunderstorms in the early afternoon all weekend.

Light smoke was observed from both fires on Friday. Smoke levels are expected to remain low to moderate on Saturday. Varying wind directions may cause variable air quality in the fire areas. See the Woodland Fire Smoke Outlook for more information.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for several areas. For detailed evacuation information, see Lincoln County NM and Ruidoso NM. Road and trail closures are in effect, including closures on Highway 48 and Highway 70 at Apache Summit. The only evacuation route open is Highway 70 to Roswell. For detailed closure information, see South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order.

A temporary no-fly zone is in effect over the fire area. For more information, see TFR FAA. Drone flights are prohibited in this area to ensure the safety of flight operations.

For further updates and detailed information, please visit Inciweb.

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Stay informed and stay safe. Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to control and contain these fires.