Daily Update: South Fork and Salt Fires - Sunday, June 23, 2024 -Community Meeting Tonight
The Village of Ruidoso continues to monitor the South Fork and Salt fires as they unfold in our community. As of Sunday, June 23, 2024, suppression efforts remain ongoing, with significant resources dedicated to managing these fires. A community meeting is scheduled for tonight, where residents can receive crucial updates and engage with local authorities. With containment efforts progressing and weather conditions evolving, it's essential for everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Below is the latest information on fire activity, resources, and safety measures.
Public Information Map, South Fork and Salt Fires, June 23, 2024
Residents and visitors are encouraged to join the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 for a Community Meeting on Facebook Live tonight, June 23, 2024, at 5 PM MDT. The event will include representatives from Lincoln County, the Ruidoso Police Department, NM State Police, Red Cross, PNM, Windstream, Mescalero Apache Telephone, Tri-State Electric, and Otero County Electric. The meeting can be accessed through the Facebook Live Event.
Contact Information:
Public Information Line: 575-323-8258 or 575-323-8378
Media Information Line: 575-323-8053
Phone Line Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
Email: 2024.southfork@firenet.gov
Fire Statistics
Acres: South Fork – 17,551; Salt – 7,775
Start Date: June 17, 2024
Location: South Fork – Ruidoso Area, Salt – 7 miles west of Mescalero, NM
Personnel: 1,114
Containment: South Fork – 31%; Salt – 7%
Fuels: Mixed conifer, grass, pine/juniper
Resources: 22 Crews, 88 Engines, 13 Dozers, 18 Water Tenders. Aircraft remain available for bucket and retardant drops if conditions allow.
Highlights
The community is reminded that unsanctioned drone use poses significant risks to responders and the public by potentially causing accidents and disrupting suppression operations. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the South Fork and Salt Fire areas, prohibiting any and all drone use by the public.
As evacuations and closures are lifted, residents should exercise extra caution. Emergency and fire vehicles, engines, and equipment will continue to travel and work along roadways, and incident personnel will be working within neighborhoods.
Fire Activity
Recent precipitation on Saturday created challenging conditions for crews accessing certain areas. However, with improving weather conditions on Sunday, firefighters will focus on securing the perimeter and responding to hot spots within the interior of the fire area. The fires are expected to be long-duration events, with increased fire activity in unburned pockets of fuel as temperatures rise.
Weather
Warmer weather is expected to move into the area, with potential scattered storms. Temperatures will rise above normal, and winds will be mostly light.
Smoke
Light smoke was observed on Saturday, and smoke production is anticipated to remain light to moderate on Sunday. More variable wind directions, especially in the morning, may lead to light smoke and moderate air quality at times for locations around the fires. For detailed smoke information, visit Smoke Outlook.
Evacuations and Closures
Evacuation and closure statuses are transitioning. For the latest information, visit:
Lincoln County Emergency Operations Center Contact: 575-258-6900
A South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order was issued on June 20, 2024, for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District. These areas are closed to public access, allowing firefighting personnel to work safely. More information is available at USDA Forest Service Alerts.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is also in place over the fire area. Visit TFR FAA for more information. Drone flights are prohibited within this area; if you fly, our air resources may have to be grounded.
Additional Information
For more details and updates, please visit:
