South Fork Fire and Salt Fire Burning in Mescalero Tribal Land
The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire are currently active on Mescalero tribal land, US Forest Service land, and the area surrounding Ruidoso. The management of both fires is being handled by Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue and Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Complex Incident Management Teams are on the way.
South Fork Fire Update
The South Fork Fire has grown to an estimated 5,252 acres with zero percent containment. The situation is critical with fire activity expected to continue due to weather conditions. Multiple structures are at risk, and some structures have already been lost. Ten Type-1 Hotshot crews are either on-site or en route, with plans to transition the incident to a Complex Incident Management Team soon.
Discovered on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 9 a.m., the South Fork Fire is posing a significant threat to Mescalero Tribal land, US Forest Service land, and the Ruidoso area. The fire’s rapid growth and extreme behavior are challenging, with the cause still under investigation.
Weather Conditions and Smoke Concerns
The current weather forecast for the area includes temperatures of 79 degrees with 11% humidity and gusty southwest winds. Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should monitor air quality using resources like the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method and the interactive smoke map.
Evacuations and Shelters
The Village of Ruidoso is under mandatory evacuation, with US 70 closed in certain areas. Evacuation centers are set up at different locations, including Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell and the Humane Society of Lincoln County for pets.
For the Mescalero community, an evacuation center is available at the Community Center Gymnasium. Additional shelters for evacuees are listed, including the Inn of the Mountain Gods and various locations in Roswell.
Additional Information and Resources
For further updates and information on the South Fork Fire and evacuations, residents can contact the Emergency Operations Center at 575-258-6900. More details on shelters and evacuations can be found on the Village of Ruidoso Facebook page.
For the latest incident map and updates, visit this link.
Salt Fire Details
The Salt Fire is currently active in the Mescalero Reservation, Otero County, southwest of Ruidoso. It covers 2,815 acres with no containment. Resources from BIA, Mescalero, and US Forest Service are actively involved in managing the fire.
Evacuation orders are in place for specific areas like Chatto Bluff, Apache Summit, and Fantasy Lane due to the fire’s active behavior. Weather conditions remain a concern with gusty winds and low humidity.
Read More of this Story at nmfireinfo.com – 2024-06-18 05:17:40
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