With wildland fires posing an increasing threat in our area, being prepared is more important than ever. Join a free Wildland Fire Preparedness session on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the ENMU-Ruidoso Campus. Learn from local fire experts about fire terminology, personal and community preparedness, and collaboration with fire agencies. For more details, contact Bequi Livingston at 505-263-0289.

This article summarizes the BAER report on the South Fork and Salt fires, which started on June 17, 2024, and burned over 24,000 acres in Lincoln National Forest. The report assesses soil burn severity, hydrology, and critical values like human safety, roads, recreation, and cultural resources. Collaborative efforts with various agencies aim to mitigate post-fire risks and support recovery.

As of July 4, 2024, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 concludes updates on the South Fork and Salt Fires, with containment at 87% and 84%, respectively. The transition of control to local agencies is set for July 7. Fire restrictions remain in place amid dry conditions, urging caution during Independence Day celebrations.

July 3, 2024: BAER teams continue assessing South Fork and Salt Fires' impacts. Soil Burn Severity maps reveal moderate to high damage across most areas. Efforts include flood risk modeling, barrier installation, and wildlife protection, with community engagement and resource access ongoing. Detailed updates available at Inciweb.

Amid ongoing South Fork and Salt Fires, severe flooding has prompted evacuations and intensified mitigation efforts. Crews are balancing fire suppression and flood response amid heavy rains. Residents should monitor updates and heed safety advisories as weather conditions remain volatile.

Scattered storms triggered severe flash floods around Ruidoso on June 29, 2024, complicating firefighting efforts for the South Fork and Salt fires. Crews continue containment efforts amid minimal fire activity. Public safety remains a priority with emergency closures and flight restrictions in place. Stay updated via official channels for ongoing developments.

Significant progress has been made in containing the South Fork and Salt fires, which have burned around 25,000 acres. All exclusion zones are now open to residents, while crews continue to address hot spots and conduct suppression repair. Key resources and personnel remain active, ensuring safety and recovery. Residents are urged to stay informed and allow emergency personnel to complete their critical work.

As the South Fork and Salt fires near containment, more areas in Ruidoso are reopening. Residents and visitors should exercise caution as emergency personnel and utility workers restore services. Key updates include the closure of Mescalero evacuation sites by June 30, limited fire activity due to recent storms, and continuing smoke impacts. Visit official websites for detailed information and safety guidelines.

Ground efforts in managing the South Fork and Salt fires are hindered by severe weather. South Fork fire is 69% contained, and the Salt fire 66%, covering 17,569 and 7,939 acres, respectively. No evacuations, but some areas remain restricted. Scattered storms increase the risk of flash floods. Visit www.ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire for updates.

Containment on the South Fork and Salt fires has increased, with crews beginning suppression repair work to mitigate impacts. The fires, which started on June 17, have burned over 25,000 acres. Residents are urged to celebrate July 4th without fireworks to prevent new fires. Motorists should slow down in affected areas. No evacuations are in place, but certain zones remain restricted. For more information, visit Ruidoso-nm.gov.

Containment of the South Fork and Salt fires has increased to 54% and 38%, respectively, thanks to the efforts of over 1,000 personnel. Despite scattered thunderstorms causing localized flooding, crews made significant progress in containment and structural assessments. Warmer conditions persist, but more moisture is expected. No evacuations are in place, but certain areas remain restricted.

Evacuations for the South Fork and Salt fires have been lifted as crews focus on mop-up, securing the perimeter, and structural assessments. The South Fork fire spans 17,551 acres with 37% containment, while the Salt fire covers 7,816 acres with 7% containment. Certain areas remain "NO ENTRY/EXCLUSION ZONES" due to ongoing recovery efforts by USAR teams. Stay informed via Inciweb and local government websites.

The Village of Ruidoso is actively managing the South Fork and Salt fires. Join the community meeting tonight for updates. Fire suppression continues with significant resources. Stay informed on containment progress, weather conditions, and safety measures. For more details and latest updates, visit our website and follow the provided links. Your safety and awareness are our top priorities.

As the South Fork and Salt fires impact Ruidoso, the Incident Management Team, led by Commander Dave Gesser, is actively managing over 1,100 personnel. Despite recent rains, significant hazards persist, necessitating continued evacuations and area closures. This update covers fire containment efforts, current conditions, and critical safety precautions to ensure public and firefighter safety.

Cooler, wetter weather has aided firefighters battling the South Fork and Salt fires, but utility outages and localized flooding remain significant concerns. Fire activity has lessened due to high humidity and precipitation, with crews focusing on constructing and reinforcing firelines. Evacuations and road closures are in effect, and residents are advised to stay informed about safety measures and air quality.

The South Fork and Salt fires, affecting over 23,000 acres with zero containment, continue to pose significant risks to Ruidoso. Over 800 personnel are working tirelessly to protect lives and property. A community meeting is scheduled for tonight via a Facebook live stream to provide updates and address concerns. Residents are urged to stay informed and cautious, especially with the potential for flooding and debris flows from incoming storms.

Evacuations continue in Ruidoso as the South Fork and Salt fires grow, with zero percent containment. Firefighters, supported by air and ground resources, battle extreme fire behavior and challenging weather. The community faces ongoing threats, prompting a State of Emergency on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and evacuation orders across multiple areas. Stay updated for the latest information and safety guidelines.

The South Fork Fire, discovered on June 17, 2024, has rapidly grown to 15,276 acres with 0% containment, causing the loss of approximately 1,400 structures and forcing the evacuation of around 8,000 people. It is burning on Mescalero Tribal, US Forest Service land, and areas around Ruidoso. Weather forecasts predict scattered showers and thunderstorms. The Salt Fire, also active, covers 5,557 acres on Mescalero Reservation. Both fires will be managed by a Complex Incident Management Team starting June 19.

The Salt Fire is making a significant run toward Ruidoso Downs, posing an imminent threat. A mandatory evacuation is in effect. All residents must evacuate immediately and head to a safe location. stay tuned to local news channels, our South Fork/Salt Fire Information Hub, our official Facebook page and tune in at 1490 AM for updates and further instructions.

Overnight efforts report the South Fork Fire at 13,921 acres and the Salt Fire at 4,876 acres, both with 0% containment. The Complex Team will take command this afternoon. Expected weather: winds at 15-20 MPH and single-digit humidity. Massive air attacks and dozer lines are underway. Updates at the Village Facebook page and 1490 AM