Daily Update: Sunday, June 30, 2024 - Scattered Storms Cause Severe Flash Flooding
As the South Fork and Salt fires continue to be managed by dedicated firefighting crews, the Ruidoso area experienced significant challenges on Saturday due to scattered thunderstorms resulting in severe flash flooding. These conditions are expected to persist, posing ongoing threats across the fire areas.
Emergency Contacts:
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
Fire Statistics:
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: 725
Containment: South Fork – 79%; Salt – 84%
Fuels: Mixed conifer, grass, pine/juniper
Resources Deployed:
The South Fork and Salt fires are currently supported by 17 crews, 3 helicopters, 25 engines, 2 bulldozers, and 8 water tenders.
Fire and Weather Outlook:
Fire activity remains minimal with some isolated hot spots that do not threaten containment lines. Crews are focusing on constructing direct control lines and continuing mop-up operations as conditions allow. Weather forecasts indicate continued scattered storms with temperatures in the mid-80s, potentially affecting firefighting efforts.
Smoke and Air Quality:
Due to monsoon moisture, smoke presence is minimal. However, isolated pockets of smoke may occur during temperature increases and reduced thunderstorm activity.
Closures and Restrictions:
A South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order remains in effect for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District. Visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices/?aid=88199 for details.
The Mescalero Apache Tribe has issued a Class V/Stage II – Extreme Fire Restriction Notice. More information is available at https://mescaleroapachetribe.com.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area, including a prohibition on public/commercial drone flights. For more information, visit https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html.
Further Information:
For ongoing updates and detailed information, 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 immediate assistance or inquiries, please contact the respective emergency and information lines provided above. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this critical time.
Stay Safe and Informed!
