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.

Due to South Fork and Salt Fires, FedEx packages for Ruidoso, Alto, Ruidoso Downs, and Mescalero can be picked up at 206 E College Blvd, Roswell, NM. UPS shipments are on emergency status, held 7-10 days. Call 1-800-PICK-UPS for urgent packages. Visit the USPS website for mail delivery updates. The last full delivery day was June 14th.

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.

Stay informed and safe with Call Me Ruidoso! Receive timely emergency alerts directly to your phone or email, tailored to your location and preferences. Take immediate action to protect yourself and your loved ones during unforeseen events. Sign up at CallMeRuidoso.com for peace of mind in uncertain times.

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

Mandatory evacuations due to the South Fork Fire include Ruidoso Downs, Village of Ruidoso, Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Ponderosa Heights, Alpine Village, Lower Eagle Creek, Alto Lakes, Sonterra 1-3, Alto, West Gavilan, Sun Valley, Sierra Vista, Villa Madonna, Ski Run Road, areas west of Highway 48, and Gavilan Canyon Rd. Evacuate via Hwy 70 towards Roswell. Call 575-937-7785 for assistance. Updates on the Village Facebook page and 1490 AM.

Due to the South Fork Fire, a mandatory evacuation is ordered for all of Ruidoso, from Sudderth/Mechem to Freedom Bloom at Big O Tire. Evacuate via Sudderth to Highway 70 toward Roswell. Highways 48 and 70 at Apache Summit are closed. Evacuation centers: Eastern NM University-Roswell (52 University Blvd) and Eastern NM State Fairgrounds (2500 SE Main St) for livestock/RVs. Info: 575-258-6900. Stay updated on the Village South Fork Fire Info Hub, Facebook, and 1490 AM.

The Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management (OEM) monitors the South Fork Fire on the Mescalero Apache reservation. Located 2-3 miles from the Village of Ruidoso, near Upper Canyon, the fire spans approximately 15 acres. The Smokey Bear Hot Shots and other crews are responding with air support, including a Type 1 helicopter and a large air tanker. Grindstone Lake operations are closed to facilitate water collection. Further updates will be provided.

Children ages 1 to 18 can enjoy free, healthy meals this summer at Lincoln County Medical Center's cafeteria. Breakfast is available Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and lunch is served daily from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

The Blue 2 Fire, 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, has burned 7,532 acres since May 16, 2024, and is now 91% contained. Caused by lightning, the fire's uncontained perimeter has been assessed and found not holding heat. Repair work continues, and moderate burn severity affects 8% of the area. Road closures and restrictions remain, with limited smoke expected throughout the summer. All evacuation orders have been lifted.

Due to its mountainous location, military aircraft frequently use Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (SBRA) in Ruidoso for high-altitude training. Residents should not be alarmed by these aircraft, as they refuel and sometimes dine locally. This training is essential for national defense. For questions, contact SBRA at 575-336-8111.

The Village of Ruidoso is hosting public meetings on June 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM and June 25, 2024, at 4:00 PM to gather input for the 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Meetings will be broadcast via YouTube and in-person at Village Hall, 313 Cree Meadows Drive. Residents can review and suggest updates to the plan, which prioritizes projects over five years. The Village Council will consider the plan on July 9, 2024.

The Pecos Zone Type 3 team assumed command of the Blue 2 Fire at 6 PM yesterday. Repairs are near completion, with containment line work progressing. No heat has been detected for five days north of Buck Mountain. Minimal smoke is affecting the area. Bonito Lake Area remains closed for safety. All evacuations have been lifted. Thunderstorms may bring dry lightning and gusty winds. An interactive map is at tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs.

The New Mexico Film Office announced that the feature film “Fight or Flight” wrapped filming in Ruidoso today on June 7, 2024. Directed by Shane Dax Taylor and starring Dolph Lundgren, Michael Jai White, Scott Martin, and Charlotte Kirk, the film employed over 100 locals. This project highlights Ruidoso's growing role in the state’s booming film industry, contributing to its over $1 billion economic impact in 2024.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Terry Hardy and Edgar Martinez, is assessing the Blue 2 Fire's impact in Ruidoso, NM. The team evaluates post-fire risks like flooding and debris flow, focusing on human safety and natural resources. Specialists from various fields create a Soil Burn Severity map and recommend emergency stabilization measures. More info is available on the Blue 2 Fire Postfire BAER InciWeb page.