Published Monday, June 17, 2024, 2150 hours PT

Photo Credit: Mescalero Apache Tribe

INCIDENT SUMMARY: The South Fork Fire is located near Hwy 64 x Ute Park in Ruidoso New Mexico. The fire was discovered on 6/17/2024 at 0900 hours MT on tribal land lands along the Rio Ruidoso near Ruidoso in New Mexico. The cause is unknown and under investigation.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS: BIA, Mescalero Apache Fire & Rescue (Lead), USFS with a Complex IMT on order and to assume Command on 6/18/2024, City of Roswell, NM, Village of Ruidoso

FIRE OPERATIONS: A Complex IMT will assume command on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 1300 hours MT.

CURRENT STATUS: Evacuations are in effect. Fire behavior has been observed as extreme with long-range spotting & intense heat with plume domination. The Ruidoso Fire Department’s EOC has been relocated to the County Courthouse in Carrizozo. The alert notification is just coming out now due to no internet or cell service available to get out Public Notices.

The fire has burned about 4,703 acres and the other wildfire in the area is called the SALT FIRE and has now burned about 2,802 acres.

EVACUATIONS:

  • Villa of Ruidoso
  • Upper Canyon
  • Brady Canyon
  • Ponderosa Alpine Village
  • Cedar Creek
  • Chatto Bluff
  • Apache Summit
  • Fantasy Lane
  • Homes Along Hwy 70 from Hwy 244 to the east Reservation line.

Sign-up for Emergency Notifications: https://www.callmeruidoso.com

Village of Ruidoso Social Media Page: https://www.facebook.com/villageofruidoso (Facebook)

Chaves County Sheriff’s Office Media Page: https://www.facebook.com/chavescountysheriffnm (Facebook). Publication of free lodging and accommodations.

SHELTER(S):

  • Ruidoso Covention Center at 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, Ruidoso, NM
  • Tribal residents- go to the Community Center’s Gym.
  • Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Gym, 52B University Blvd., College Campus.
  • New Mexico Military Institute hosted the Godfrey AThletic Center (if the Univ shelter becomes full).

ANIMAL SHELTERS:

  • Mescalero Rodeo Grounds for Livestock

DAMAGES/LOSSES:

  • 14 unoccupied Boy Scouts Philmont Ranch structures
  • Unknown # of other structures

CLOSED:

  • U.S. Forest Service – Lincoln National Forest
  • Ranger District Office – Smoke Bear until further notice

PHOTO CREDITS:

  • Mescalero Apache Tribe

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog