18/06/2024
SOUTH FORK FIRE Update: This morning, the South Fork Fire is 13,921 acres and zero percent contained. An estimated 500 structures have been impacted by this fire. Crews worked together last night to stop the fire’s spread and providing structure protection where they could. Currently fire behavior is creeping, but a concern today is increased winds that could push the fire further to the east and the northeast.
Air resources will be active today for as long as it is safe to operate, working in tandem with ground resources from multiple agencies, including tribal, federal, state and local cooperators. This is a full suppression fire, and all available resources are responding to help secure line and perform point protection for homes in and around Ruidoso. Fire response will be broken up into three divisions that will work the fire’s south, east and northeast areas along the fire perimeter. Firefighter safety is a top priority.
Due to lack of cell service in the area, crews will work to set up communication lines. Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 – a Complex Incident Management Team – will arrive today for inbriefing, and will assume command of the fire at 0600, tomorrow, June 19.
The South Fork Fire was discovered at 9 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2024; it is burning on Mescalero Tribal land, US Forest Service land and within the areas surrounding Ruidoso. Yesterday fire growth was rapid with extreme fire behavior and long-range spotting and intense heat with plume domination may occur this afternoon and evening. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Resources: The fire is managed by a Type 3 Incident Commander, with resources from agencies including BIA, Mescalero, Forest Service, Lincoln County, Otero County, Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Forestry Division. Complex Incident Management (CIM) Team arriving at 1pm today. Dozers, heavy equipment and engines are responding from a number of tribal, state and federal agencies. Additional resources on order.
Weather: Todays high will be near 87 and southwest winds 5-15 mph. Near critical fire weather expected in the area today.
Smoke: Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Evacuations / Closures: Red Cross has reported 270 individuals checked in to shelters in Roswell, and 120 in Capitan. Further evacuation numbers will be released once an approximate count has been generated. Village of Ruidoso is closed for mandatory evacuation. Roads are now closed into town. Persons are requested to stay away from the area.
More information about shelters and evacuations can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/villageofruidoso
https://www.facebook.com/mescaleroapachetribe
Update provided by the New Mexico State Forestry Division.
