South Fork Fire, Salt Fire evacuations in place

The fires broke out on Monday June 17 and caused the displacement of around 8,000 people. The village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs are still in a state of evacuation and road closures are also in effect. The fires caused the loss of approximately 1,400 structures, according to the village of Ruidoso.

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.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fires, officials said at a news conference Thursday (June 20) in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The cause of the fires remains unknown.

FBI officials asked anyone with information about the cause of the fires to contact the agency by calling 1-800-225-5324 or online at tips.fbi.gov.