South Fork Fire and Salt Fire continue to burn NM

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

0 4 minutes read

The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire continue to burn in southern New Mexico.

Since starting on Monday, June 17, the wildfires have burned more than 20,000 acres with 0% containment, according to the Village of Ruidoso website. It also resulted in the loss of approximately 1,400 structures and forced the evacuation of approximately 8,000 people.

The Salt Fire makes a significant run toward Ruidoso Downs, posing an imminent threat. A mandatory evacuation is in effect, officials said.

The South Fork Fire is burning on Mescalero Tribal, US Forest Service lands and areas around Ruidoso. The Salt Fire is also active on the Mescalero Reservation. A complex incident management team is handling both fires, officials said.

More: South Fork Fire continues to burn near Ruidoso. This is what the fire in New Mexico looks like

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and people should refrain from speculation, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said at a news conference in Roswell Wednesday evening (June 19). She was joined by Roswell Mayor Timothy Jennings and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury.

Six investigators are working to find the cause, and the results will be shared once the investigation is complete, Grisham said.

– Natassia Paloma

During a mandatory evacuation order, some residents chose to stay put, Grisham said during the news conference.

“We are very concerned about the potential loss of life,” Grisham said. “We know several people are still missing.”

Search teams are expected to move into Ruidoso on Thursday, June 20 to locate the remaining residents. Grisham said the exact number of residents who remained despite the evacuation order is unknown.

A gap in communications has caused problems for families trying to contact loved ones, Grisham noted. Although communications systems for first responders are in place, cell towers are currently not operational.

Public briefings with more information will begin tomorrow afternoon, Grisham added.

– Natassia Paloma

Grisham requested a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden on Wednesday, June 19, in response to the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire.

The request highlights the urgent need for federal assistance due to the extensive damage and ongoing threats from wildfires.

“Our first responders are heroes, but they need more resources to fight this disaster and keep our people safe,” Grisham said. “New Mexico has faced disaster before, but the scale of this emergency requires immediate federal intervention.”

– Natassia Paloma

A flash flood emergency is in effect until 11:15 p.m. MT for Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Hollywood, New Mexico, according to the National Weather Service. Water rescues continue.

Floodwaters are rushing down the slopes of the Ruidoso area from nearby burn scars. Residents should seek higher ground and stay away from low-lying areas that could be flooded, officials said.

At least three emergency water rescues had taken place at the time of the news conference, and more were expected, Grisham said.

“Don’t try to drive through a flood anywhere,” Grisham said. “Do not attempt to cross flooded areas on foot or otherwise. It is incredibly dangerous.”

In a video below released by the National Weather Service, floodwaters can be seen descending steeply.

-Aaron Bedoya

The New Mexico State Police Uniform Bureau discovered skeletal remains in the driver's seat when they arrived at the scene of a burned vehicle on Ranier Road during the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, in Lincoln County, on Tuesday, June 18. The person remains unidentified and unreadable. Identity documents were found in the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing, New Mexico State Police officials said.

– Natassia Paloma

Emergency Management reported flash flooding above McBride Burn Scar in Ruidoso. A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. MT for south-central Lincoln County. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain fell, with an additional 0.5 to 1.5 inches possible, the National Weather Service reports.

Flash floods are already occurring, posing a life-threatening danger. Affected areas include Gavilan Canyon Road, especially near the south end at the junction with Meander, Homestead Loop and downstream to the Rio Ruidoso, according to the National Weather Service.

-Aaron Bedoya

Evacuations remain in place for the Reservation, Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs. Road closures are also in effect, the Village of Ruidoso website states.

Additional evacuation orders include Fantasy Lane, the Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail and Chihuahua Well. Residents are asked to stay away from the fire area to allow firefighters safe access and avoid hazards such as fire-weakened trees, downed power lines and gas lines potentially exposed.

-Aaron Bedoya

A Facebook user posted on her account Tuesday that the Farleys in Ruidoso had not burned.

“We can't always believe that what we're hearing, Farleys, is still relevant. I'm going to leave my message public to reassure some. There are a lot of people in Ruidoso who still don't have service or electricity. God be with us all,” she posted.

-Aaron Bedoya

A severe thunderstorm warning continues for Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Hollywood, New Mexico until 3:45 p.m. MT. The storm will be accompanied by quarter-sized hail and winds of up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

-Aaron Bedoya

Ruidoso Downs is canceling live horse racing this weekend. They will postpone this weekend's Bourbon Fest. They will have an update on the event once a new date is selected, the website states.

“I want to thank everyone who has reached out to us concerned about the track, our Ruidoso Downs family and the horses during this time,” said Ruidoso Downs General Manager Rick Baugh. “At this time, the Ruidoso Downs property has not been affected. I ask that you continue to pray for this community and for the men and women who are on the front lines fighting these fires.”

-Aaron Bedoya

Social media reports are helpful in times of disaster, but they are often not accurate. Reports that one of Ruidoso's major grocery stores was destroyed by the Ruidoso fires are false.

Here is an update provided on June 19 by an Albertsons official:

“The fire has not affected Albertsons Marketplace at this time. The store is currently closed in accordance with Ruidoso evacuation guidelines. We will reopen once our team members can safely return to the Ruidoso area .

– El Paso Times Staff

Patrick Pearson, 60, was found dead on the side of the road near the Swiss Chalet Motel, located at 1451 N. Mechem Road, according to New Mexico State Police.

His loved ones remember him as a devoted father and a talented musician.

– Natassia Paloma

More: 'He's irreplaceable': Family and friends of Ruidoso fire victim mourn country musician's death

Lina Portman

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