Daily Update, Tuesday, July 2, 2024 - Firefighters Fill 18,000 Sandbags to Support Communities
In the ongoing efforts to manage the South Fork and Salt fires, firefighters have made significant strides in flood mitigation operations. Benefiting from clearer skies on Monday, crews focused their efforts on the South Fork fire area, filling a total of 18,000 sandbags. This proactive measure aims to safeguard communities against potential flooding risks stemming from firefighting activities.
Current Fire Information
Acres: South Fork – 17,569; Salt – 7,939
Start Date: June 17, 2024
Location: South Fork – Ruidoso Area; Salt – 7 miles west of Mescalero, NM
Personnel: 608
Containment: South Fork – 85%; Salt – 84%
Fuels: Mixed conifer, grass, pine/juniper
Resources Deployed
The South Fork and Salt fires are currently managed with 13 crews, 1 helicopter, 21 engines, 2 bulldozers, and 6 water tenders.
Operational Highlights
Structure assessment teams have successfully evaluated over 4,000 structures throughout the fire-affected areas, aiding in resource allocation and planning.
Fire Activity Update
Recent scattered precipitation has subdued hot spots within the South Fork fire perimeter. Remaining heat sources are contained within control lines and pose no immediate threat.
On the Salt Fire, firefighters continue to monitor isolated hot spots on the southeast corner. Although producing localized smoke, these areas do not compromise containment lines or present a threat to nearby communities.
Weather Outlook
Tuesday's forecast includes an increase in scattered storm activity, potentially affecting fire conditions. Residents are advised to stay informed about changing weather patterns and possible flash flood warnings.
Closures and Restrictions
A South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order remains in effect for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District. Details are available at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices/?aid=88199.
The Mescalero Apache Tribe has issued a Class V/Stage II – Extreme Fire Restriction Notice. More information can be found at https://mescaleroapachetribe.com.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is enforced over the fire area, prohibiting public and commercial drone flights. Visit https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html for further details.
Additional Resources
For comprehensive updates, please visit:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmmea-south-fork-and-salt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/430b2c05
Lincoln County Government: www.lincolncountynm.gov
Mescalero Apache Tribe: https://mescaleroapachetribe.com
Village of Ruidoso: www.ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire
For inquiries, contact:
Mescalero Apache Tribe Emergency Operations Center: 575-464-9214 (8am-6pm)
Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County Emergency Operations Center: 575-258-6900 (7am-10pm)
Fire Information Phone: 575-323-8378 or 575-323-8258 (8am-8pm)
Media Information Phone: 575-323-8053 (8am-8pm)
Email: 2024.southfork@firenet.gov
Stay informed and stay safe.
