Daily Update: Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Ground Efforts Hindered by Severe Weather Conditions

Fire UpdatePSA

Jun 27

The Village of Ruidoso and surrounding areas continue to face challenges in managing the South Fork and Salt fires due to severe weather conditions.

Key Contacts:

Mescalero Apache Tribe Emergency Operations Center: 575-464-9214
Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County Emergency Operations Center: 575-258-6900
Fire Information Phone: 575-323-8378 or 575-323-8258
Media Information Phone: 575-323-8053
Phone Line Hours: 8 am – 8 pm
Email: 2024.southfork@firenet.gov

Fire Details:

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: 900
Containment: South Fork – 69%; Salt – 66%
Fuels: Mixed conifer, grass, pine/juniper
Resources: 21 crews, 4 helicopters, 42 engines, 9 bulldozers, 12 water tenders

Highlights:

Interactive Property Map Updates: Property access status updates, including re-entry and No Entry/Exclusion Zones, are available at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire.
July 4th Reminder: Celebrate without fireworks to prevent new fire starts. Fireworks are prohibited this year to allow firefighters to focus on current efforts.

Fire Activity:

The South Fork and Salt fires show limited activity due to scattered storms and diligent firefighter efforts. Occasional smoke from pockets of unburned fuel may be visible, especially as monsoonal weather patterns develop.
Crews are mopping up and repairing areas affected by the fires. Utility providers are working to restore services. Maintain awareness and reduce speed while traveling through affected areas as conditions remain dynamic.

Weather:

Temperatures will remain in the mid-high 80s with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected, increasing the risk of flash floods and debris flows.

Smoke:

Smoke production will be light to moderate, with the highest impacts during early morning and late evening hours. For more details, visit Smoke Outlook.

Reentry:

No evacuations are currently in place, but "NO ENTRY/EXCLUSION ZONES" remain in some areas. Visit South Fork Fire Information or contact local Emergency Operations Centers for details.

Tribal Members:

Displaced members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe are encouraged to contact the Tribe's Emergency Operations Center at 575-464-9214 for assistance.

Closures:

A South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order is in effect for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District. Closed areas include roads and trails to ensure firefighter safety. More information is available at Lincoln National Forest Alerts.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) prohibits public and commercial drone flights over the fire area. For more information, visit TFR Information.

More Information: