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.

Wildfires can cause significant emotional distress. Survivors, first responders, and rescue workers may experience anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. Resources for support include Agora Crisis Center (505-277-3013), New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (855-662-7474), and the Disaster Distress Helpline (800-985-5990). Specialized resources are also available for firefighters. Visit the Village of Ruidoso South Fork and Salt Fires Information Hub for more details.

Following the South Fork and Salt fires, which burned over 25,000 acres, USPS has reopened local post offices in Alto, Hollywood, Ruidoso, and Ruidoso Downs. These locations are now fully operational with specific hours. Delivery services will resume except in burn areas; residents in these areas can pick up their mail with ID verification. This marks a return to normalcy for the community.

Residents of Ruidoso affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires can access essential supplies at First Baptist Church, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, and White Mountain Sports Complex, where FEMA and Red Cross representatives are available. A new distribution center at River Crossing Ministries will open on June 25, 2024. Note: Donations are being accepted via cfolc.org/. Stay updated via the Village of Ruidoso South Fork and Salt Fire Information Hub.

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.

Due to the South Fork Fire, Zia Natural Gas has curtailed service in parts of Ruidoso and Alto, including Upper Canyon, areas west of Mechem (Hwy 48), Alpine Village, Cedar Creek, West Gavilan, Barney Luck, north Gavilan Canyon Road, and parts of Alto. Do not turn your gas meter on. Zia crews will safely reestablish service. For info, call (800) 520-4277. Your safety is our priority.

The Village of Ruidoso will allow residents to re-enter on Monday at 8:00 AM, but certain areas remain "NO ENTRY/EXCLUSION ZONES" due to ongoing recovery efforts by USAR teams. Two fatalities are confirmed, with potential additional fatalities identified. Access is only available via HWY 70 East or West; HWY 48 is closed at Gavilan Canyon. Report updates on unaccounted individuals to the EOC Phone Bank at 575-258-6900.

The FBI is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the South Fork and Salt Fires near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Discovered on June 17, 2024, these fires have caused significant damage. The FBI's Albuquerque Field Office is working with various agencies, urging the public to submit tips via 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

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.

In response to the South Fork and Salt Fires, the NM Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) issued an Emergency Order for enhanced insurance protections over 120 days. This includes grace periods for premium payments, early prescription refills, waived deductibles, and advance payments for living expenses. For support, contact OSI’s emergency hotline at 1-833-485-1336 or visit their wildfire resource page.

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.

The Village of Ruidoso, with the Mayor, Village Council, and County, will begin the re-entry process for local, full-time residents on Monday at 8:00 AM. Second homeowners and tourists are asked to wait. Residents should prepare for possible outages of gas, electricity, and water, and bring a week's worth of groceries and water. Air quality may be poor. LCMC aims to resume full services on Monday. Please cooperate for a smooth process.

Residents in Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Glencoe, San Patricio, Angus, Bonito Lake, Alto, and the Sierra Blanca Airport areas are on SET STATUS for potential flooding, as indicated by the National Weather Service. Prepare for possible high-flow events by staying informed, having an evacuation plan, and securing essential items. Stay tuned for updates from local authorities and the National Weather Service.

The Village of Ruidoso is ensuring that evacuated residents can access their medications amid the South Fork and Salt Fire emergencies. For prescription refills, LCMC/Presbyterian patients can call 844-505-7737, and Sierra Blanca Pharmacy customers can call 575-937-0663. Presbyterian has emergency authorization for refills from the NM Board of Pharmacy. More updates will be provided as available.

In response to the South Fork and Salt Fires, the Village of Ruidoso, in collaboration with PNM, provides essential guidelines for residents experiencing power outages. If your property is undamaged, PNM will restore power automatically. For damaged properties, contact a licensed electrician. PNM will suspend billing for significantly damaged properties. Visit PNM.com or call 1-888-342-5766 for assistance.

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.

Lincoln National Forest has issued an updated area closure for the Smokey Bear Ranger District to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public amid the Blue 2 and South Fork wildfires. The closure affects National Forest System lands, roads, and trails. Violations are punishable by fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations or imprisonment for up to six months.

In response to escalating wildfires, President Biden approved Gov. Lujan Grisham's disaster declaration for NM, unlocking federal aid. Lincoln County and Mescalero Apache Reservation remain under a state emergency since June 18, 2024. Ruidoso pledges support, urging vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines.

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.