South Fork Fire, Salt Fire Daily Update: June 20, 2024 - Community Facebook Live Meeting Tonight
As the South Fork and Salt fires continue to challenge the Village of Ruidoso, the community is coming together to stay informed and support each other during this critical time. With over 23,000 acres affected and zero containment as of June 20, 2024, the dedicated efforts of 824 personnel are focused on protecting lives, homes, and critical infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest developments and participate in the community meeting tonight via Facebook live stream (an account is not necessary to participate) while also being mindful of potential risks from incoming storms, including flooding and debris flows.
Public Information Map, South Fork and Salt Fire, June 20, 2024
Fire Status:
South Fork Fire Acres: 16,335
Salt Fire Acres: 7,071
Start Date: June 17, 2024
Location: Ruidoso, NM
Personnel: 824
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Mixed conifer, grass, pine/juniper
Resources: Crews, heavy equipment, engines, helicopters, and air tankers
Community Meeting: A community meeting is scheduled for 5 pm tonight, June 20, 2024. All community members are welcome to join via Facebook live stream. Please note, a Facebook account is not needed to participate.
Fire Activity: On Wednesday, the South Fork Fire exhibited active behavior until storms moved in. Firefighters observed torching trees, uphill runs, and short-range spotting across the South Fork and Salt fires, including in the dead/down fuels of the 2012 Little Bear Fire. Crews worked to secure a portion of the South Fork's eastern perimeter and the south side from Cedar Creek to Flume Canyon.
Today, efforts will focus on the north and eastern sides of the South Fork Fire, including the North Fork and South Fork of Eagle Creek, and along the Rio Ruidoso. Crews will continue constructing firelines to prevent further fire growth while protecting homes, properties, and critical infrastructure. Ground and aerial ignitions may be used as needed to strengthen protection and burn out fuels between constructed firelines and the main fire.
Weather: On Wednesday, the fires received varying amounts of rain. The highest rainfall recorded was 1.62” along Skyline Ridge near the Monjeau Fire Lookout on the northern side of the South Fork Fire, while the Salt Fire received .05”. Today's weather will bring clouds, cooler temperatures (68-75 degrees), and higher humidity. Afternoon and early evening storms may develop, bringing 20-30mph gusts, heavy rain, flash floods, and debris flows.
Smoke: Smoke will continue to be observed across both fires today. Individuals sensitive to smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. For more information, visit Air Quality.
Evacuations: A State of Emergency for the Mescalero Apache Reservation has been implemented by the Tribal Council. Evacuations remain in place. The Village of Ruidoso and the City of Ruidoso Downs are in “GO” evacuation status. Numerous additional evacuation orders have been issued, including Fantasy Lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail, and Chihuahua Well. Please stay out of the fire area to allow firefighters safe access and to avoid hazards such as fire-weakened trees, downed power lines, and exposed gas lines.
Road Closures:
Highway 48 and Highway 70 at Apache Summit are closed; the open evacuation route is Highway 70 to Roswell.
State Hwy 48 is closed from Alpine Village/University to State Hwy 220.
US 70 is closed from mm 249 (intersection NM 244), 4 miles east of Mescalero, to mm 258, 2 miles east of Carrizo.
Closures: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Visit TFR FAA for more information. Drone flights are also prohibited within this area. If you fly, we may have to ground our air resources.
More Information: For the latest updates, visit Inciweb.
Contact Information:
Public Information Line: 575-323-8258
Media Information Line: 575-323-8053
Phone Line Hours: 8 am – 8 pm
Email: 2024.southfork@firenet.gov
Source:
Southwest Area Incident Management Team
TEAM 5 – Dave Gesser– INCIDENT COMMANDER
