Update (7:45 PM, June 21, 2024): The South Fork Fire is 26% contained, and the Salt Fire is 7% contained, according to Watch Duty.
Update (4:30 PM, June 21, 2024): The FBI's Albuquerque Office is investigating the cause of the Ruidoso wildfires. An FBI spokesperson says the bureau is working with local, state, federal, and tribal partners to find out what started the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire.
"We ask that anyone who may have any information pertaining to the cause of the fires to please call 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov," the spokesperson added.
Update (2:25 PM, June 21, 2024): Texas Governor Greg Abbott is deploying Texas A&M Task Force 1 personnel to Ruidoso to help with FEMA's search and rescue efforts.
"As we continue to support New Mexico's response, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy Texas A&M Task Force 1 personnel to New Mexico to assist in wildfire search and rescue efforts," Abbott stated Friday. "Texas stands ready to answer the call for help when disaster strike — whether it's here in the Lone Star State or for our neighbors across the country.”
Update (10:45 AM, June 21, 2024): Officials released an update on the acreage of the two fires. Neither had grown significantly overnight. Rain has been falling on the main street in Ruidoso this morning. There are now more than a thousand people battling the blazes.
Watch ABC-7 at Noon for complete team coverage of the ongoing efforts to fight the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire.
Update (6:06, June 20, 2024): Agents from the U.S. Border Patrol stations in El Paso and Alamogordo have gone up to Ruidoso to help with the firefighting efforts.
El Paso, Alamogordo Station and SOD deployed to assist with the Ruidoso fires.
— Anthony “Scott” Good (@USBPChiefEPT) June 20, 2024
Our hearts go out to the Ruidoso community. To the brave fire fighters and law enforcement, stay safe. We stand with you, New Mexico!#ruidoso #lawenforecement #newmexico #prayers #firefighters pic.twitter.com/VCtsXlEoyU
Here is a selection of the recent social media posts about the wildfires:
— Sebastian's Studio (@Sebs_Studio) June 18, 2024This was Ruidoso just 24 hours ago.
It is a beloved town full of the kindest people who do not deserve what is happening.
Please keep an eye out for ways to help.
I will post what I find and share on this thread. #ruidosofire #southforkfire pic.twitter.com/l1fTkWRZqG
— New Mexico United (@NewMexicoUTD) June 20, 2024United for Ruidoso 🫂
The support from La Familia has been incredible ✊ We’ve received plenty of donations from fans, community members and partners. We’ll continue accepting donations at the Team Store during regular store hours. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/gF7c2mWrMQ
Update (5:05 PM, June 20, 2024): Community leaders are giving an update on the wildfires.
Update (3:55 PM, June 20, 2024): Texas Governor Greg Abbott is now sending help to Ruidoso.
The governor made the following statement today:
"As we continue to move through hurricane season, Texans are no strangers to the devastating effects of severe weather. While the initial force of Tropical Storm Alberto dissipates, Texas was able to swiftly and effectively respond thanks to the critical work our state's first responders and emergency response personnel do to protect and assist Texas communities. Today, I am deploying emergency management personnel to assist our neighbors in New Mexico as they face wildfire and flash flooding impacts. Texas will continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities across the state and of our fellow Americans.”
Gov. Greg Abbott
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Texas A&M Forest Service sent emergency management personnel.
Update (2:55 PM, June 20, 2024): President Biden just approved Governor Lujan Grisham's Major Disaster Declaration request.
This allows for more federal and FEMA support. Federal firefighters are also going to be surged to the impacted areas, as well as U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs equipment.
The White House says 800 federal personnel are helping.
Update (1:05 PM, June 20, 2024): El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser issued the following statement about the Ruidoso wildfires:
"The bravery shown by the first responders in Ruidoso is admirable, and the strength and resilience of Ruidoso’s residents as they face this terrible tragedy demonstrates the strength and unity of their community. I have been moved by the swift action and generosity of El Pasoans who have quickly provided assistance in multiple ways, and by the way this whole region has mobilized to help our New Mexico neighbors. We ask our community to join in prayer for all those affected by this devastating disaster."
Mayor Oscar Leeser
The Las Cruces Fire Department is now sending a seven-member Technical Rescue Team to Ruidoso. The team members are highly trained in water rescue.
Update (12:00 PM, June 20, 2024): Watch ABC-7 at Noon for complete team coverage of the Ruidoso wildfires.
Update (11:25 AM, June 20, 2024): The New Mexico Environment Department's Drinking Water Bureau issued a drinking water advisory for Lincoln County. Department officials say the water has possibly been contaminated by the wildfires.
Officials say private well owners need to follow the following steps after the wildfire.
- "Step 1:Well inspection and repair – check for damage to well components, including electrical systems, and remove debris.
- Step 2:Flush the well until the water runs clear (approximately 30 minutes to one hour) and check water pressure. This may best be done by a well contractor.
- Step 3:Test your well water for Coliform bacteria including (E. coli), nitrate, and other contaminants of concern.
- Step 4:Disinfect your well if the water tests positive for bacteria (E. coli) or repairs have been done. This may best be done by a well contractor."
Update (10:50 AM, June 20, 2024): Reactions continue to pour in on social media:
— scott hickle 🚽 (@ScottHickle) June 19, 2024Two nights ago my mom and stepdad evacuated their home due to a wildfire.
Early in the day she sent the family group chat a picture of smoke in the distance captioned “yuk 200 acres”
As of an hour ago, the South Fork fire had burned more than 16,000 acres in New Mexico,… pic.twitter.com/NQeFaKM629
[U.S] Heavy rains trigger flash flooding in the South Fork wildfire burn scar area https://t.co/izWBmUYwv1 #GlobalWarming #ClimateChange #ClimateEmergency #ClimateCrisis #SevereWeather #Heatwave #Wildfire #Mescalero #Apache #SouthForkFire #Ruidoso #NewMexico #America pic.twitter.com/Qry0rTQOo2
— firehorse23 (@firehorse249791) June 20, 2024
Update (8:55 PM, June 19, 2024): Governor Lujan Grisham says her office is supporting the National Guard and firefighting crews.
The governor says that the incident command team is in charge of directing resources to the fires.
The governor called the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire some of the most devastating in the state's history.
Update (8:50 PM, June 19, 2024): The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico's Greatest Needs Impact Fund is funneling resources to victims of the Ruidoso wildfires. Donate here.
Update (8:40 PM, June 19, 2024): Social media users are reacting and posting videos of the wildfires:
See AlsoYellowstone Up Close and Personal ~ 17 through 20 June 2024 Trip Report PageNew Mexico wildfires: Rain helps, but South Fork, Salt fires near Ruidoso still uncontainedNew Mexico wildfires: 2 confirmed dead, 1,400 structures lost as flames ravage RuidosoYellowstone Up Close and Personal ~ 5 through 8 June 2024 Trip Report PageView this post on Instagram
Update (8:30 PM, June 19, 2024): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is speaking about the Ruidoso wildfires in a news conference right now. Watch live below.
Update (5:15 PM, June 19, 2024): New Mexico State Police just confirmed a second fatality in the Ruidoso wildfires.
The second person was found dead on Raynor Road Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 11:57 AM.
Update (4:55 PM, June 19, 2024): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham just requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden.
“Our first responders are heroes, but they need more resources to combat this disaster and keep our people safe," Grisham explained. “New Mexico has faced disaster before, but the scale of this emergency requires immediate federal intervention."
If granted, the declaration would provide immediate federal assistance programs for survivors. That includes Housing Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Displacement Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation, according to the Governor's Office.
Update (4:20 PM, June 19, 2024): Watch a live interview with Congressman Gabe Vasquez about the fire below.
Update (4:05 PM, June 19, 2024): Craig Rivera, a friend of Patrick Pearson, says the 60-year-old musician died in the wildfire. Pearson was found dead near the Swiss Chalet. The governor confirmed one fatality caused by the wildfires last night.
Update (3:45 PM, June 19, 2024): New videos are emerging from inside the impacted area. The videos are showing devastation, including burned out houses and forested areas.
Update (3:10 PM, June 19, 2024): Watch a live feed of Ruidoso's main street as the rain falls nearby.
Update (3:00 PM, June 19, 2024): More reactions about the flash flood warning and the wildfires are streaming in on social media:
Gathering items today to donate to my Ruidoso and Mescalero peeps who had to leave their homes without any of their possessions. Please consider helping out our fellow NM peeps if you can yall. They need any and every bit of help. 🙏🏼🤍🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/LoswNU4QjZ
— Allison Vega (@EDHSArtTeach) June 19, 2024
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) June 19, 2024This is extreme weather whiplash.
After a devastating wildfire just ravaged the Ruidoso, New Mexico area, burning 1,400 homes and structures, a Flash Flood Emergency has been issued for the town due to a severe thunderstorm that has dropped up to 2.5 inches of rain in the last… pic.twitter.com/35ji*zw2swX
BIG PROBLEMS in Ruidoso, New Mexico with a stationary supercell dropping BASEBALL HAIL and triggering a life threatening flash flood / debris flow into an area ravaged by wildfires pic.twitter.com/podM23yknV
— Reed Timmer, PhD (@ReedTimmerUSA) June 19, 2024
Update (2:50 PM, June 19, 2024): The National Weather Service just posted on social media about a Flash Flood Warning for Lincoln County until 4:15 PM. The area where the meteorologists say the flash flooding could happen is on the northern regions of the South Fork Fire.
Flash Flood Warning continues for Lincoln County, NM until 4:15 PM MDT pic.twitter.com/JF2IlIrJ77
— @NWSFlashFlood (@NWSFlashFlood) June 19, 2024
Update (2:30 PM, June 19, 2024): Ruidoso officials say growth is expected for the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire. The Salt Fire is now listed at 1% contained, while the South Fork Fire is still at 0% containment.
"With zero percent containment, extreme fire behavior, and challenging weather conditions, firefighters and resources are tirelessly working to combat the flames and protect homes and structures," village officials posted on their website.
The village also posted these fire activity updates:
"Extreme fire behavior occurred across the South Fork and Salt fires on Tuesday, with crowning and long range spotting observed. Aviation resources, including fixed wing air tankers and helicopters, conducted water and retardant drops throughout the day. Air resources worked in conjunction with ground resources, firefighters and heavy equipment, to continue constructing fireline including around structures. Firefighters quickly secured a spot fire on the South Fork Fire Tuesday.
Fire crews, heavy equipment and additional resources will continue building fireline on both the South Fork and Salt fires while air resources will assist from the sky with ongoing water and retardant drops. Firefighters will be alert for spot fires and respond quickly to all fire threats. Changing wind direction and potential for afternoon thunderstorms could create challenging conditions for firefighter in the air and on the ground. Firefighting resources continue to arrive and will be briefed on current fire conditions before going to the fireline."
Village of Ruidoso
Update (10:10 AM, June 19, 2024): Reactions continue to come in on social media:
This is what one of the Smokey Bear Hotshots came home to after being away saving lives & property on the #SouthForkFire and #SaltFire in #Ruidoso. While they defended their home turf, they lost their own homes. Here's a fundraiser to help them out: https://t.co/zO0eqA9OPz pic.twitter.com/H1p4zpv0aI
— Hotshot - Movie (@Hotshot_Movie) June 19, 2024
— The Professor's Record - David K. Clements (@theprofsrecord) June 19, 2024Please pray for the Village of Ruidoso. 1,400 homes lost, including our own.
On the bottom is the last picture I took of our cabin that we rented out as an AirBnB. We had just finished rebuilding the front deck. We had slowly redone just about everything in it over the last 8… pic.twitter.com/AbR8VFqHfY
Please pray for the Lord to send down rainstorms all over Ruidoso, NM and any & all other forest fires. This is one of the most beautiful places I've seen and there are lots of livestock, horses, and farmed land. In the mighty name of Jesus. 🙏🙌⚔️https://t.co/DsB8Y0Xe0H
— Liz 🩷 (@PearlandPiper) June 19, 2024
Update (6:26 AM, June 19,2024): South Fork Fire reportedly burning 16,335 acres with 0% containment. Salt Fire now burning at 7,071 acres. The total acreage is now 23,000.
Update (9:20 PM, June 18, 2024): Watch ABC-7's complete team coverage of the Ruidoso wildfires on our evening newscasts tonight.
Update (8:30 PM, June 18, 2024): More information from officials and reactions to the fire are coming in on social media:
Update (7:55 PM, June 18, 2024): Community members continue to post about the wildfire on social media:
A new wildfire has started about 2-3 miles west of Ruidoso, NM on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The South Fork Fire is ~20 acres in size. Immediate evacuations have been ordered for the Upper Canyon and Brandy Canyon areas. Winds will blow the fire to the E/NE. #NMFire #NMwx pic.twitter.com/NiA9Erb5YO
— Grant Tosterud (@granttosterudwx) June 17, 2024
Update (6:55 PM, June 18, 2024): The New Mexico Governor's office has confirmed at least person has died due to the wildfires.
Update (5:50 PM, June 18, 2024): Seven patients were evacuated from a local hospital. About a dozen residents of a care facility were also evacuated.
If you would like to donate towards relief efforts, visit the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico's Website.
Update (5:40 PM, June 18, 2024): Community members continue to post on social media about the wildfires:
This is so terrible. I thought the fire in Vegas was bad but it wasn't this close. I've fueled up at that Allsups plenty of times and it's almost apocalyptic in nature how Ruidoso is basically surrounded by fire. Alto will be almost non recognizable after all this. pic.twitter.com/RccBcDXol0
— Ricardo Muniz (@kingxinvictus) June 18, 2024
Prayers for Ruidoso NM. My family and wife’s family has been going there since the 70’s at least once a year. Awesome Mountain views and just a neat small town. Skiing, Casinos, shops, putt putt, go carts, hiking trails, Ruidoso downs, etc. My cousin is positive he lost his… pic.twitter.com/W6yuwwd1c9
— 🦅🇺🇸Mr. Red🇺🇸🦅 (@chadred1) June 18, 2024
— S p r i n t e r F a m i l y (@SprinterFamily) June 18, 2024Apocalyptic forest fires are engulfing increasingly large areas in the southern United States
The video shows a forest fire in New Mexico, where the complete mandatory evacuation of the village of Ruidoso, with a population of eight thousand, began yesterday evening. pic.twitter.com/3izKm0pzgG
Update (4:50 PM, June 18, 2024): Officials are now also ordering residents of Ruidoso Downs to evacuate their homes as the threat of the wildfires gets closer.
Update (4:40 PM, June 18, 2024): Evacuees can find shelter at the following locations.
- The Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center, 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero
- Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Gym, 52 B University Blvd.
- Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 2500 SE Main St., Roswell
- New Mexico Military Institute Athletic Center, 101 W College Blvd., Roswell
- Church on the Move, 901 W. Brasher Rd., Roswell
- Church on the Move Dream Center, 2700 W. Second, Ruidoso
- Capitan High School, 519 Smokey Bear Blvd., Capitan
- Carrizozo High School, 800 D Ave., Carrizozo
- Christ Community Church, 2960 N Scenic Dr., Alamogordo
Update (4:10 PM, June 18, 2024): Governor Lujan Grisham's state of emergency order provides for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management help coordinating requests for help, the deployment of the National Guard to provide "military support," and direction for all state Cabinet Departments to provide assistance.
There are 20,000 acres burning between the two fires. They are 0% contained. 800 personnel from 17 agencies, including 13 hot shot wildfire fighting crews, have been deployed. That's according to the Governor's Office. A National Guard leaders says the response is an emergency operations level one, the highest response possible. Officials also said the wind is now shifting, coming from the west. They describe this as "both good and bad news." They add the weather allowed crews in the air and on the ground to work together to fight the blaze. The governor also specified in her news conference that the fire has burned several of the 500 "impacted" structures.
Update (4:00 PM, June 18, 2024): Watch Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's news conference live here:
Update (2:25 PM, June 18, 2024): Governor Lujan Grisham will speak about the wildfires and the evacuations in a news conference at 4 PM. ABC-7 will livestream the update on this page.
Update (1:50 PM, June 18, 2024): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham just issued an executive order declaring a State of Emergency for the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire.
Update (11:20 AM, June 18, 2024): The South Fork Fire is impacting about 500 structures near Ruidoso, according to the local government.
The fire is still listed at 0% containment at this time.
Update (11:10 AM, June 18, 2024): The Salt Fork Fire is nearly 14,000 acres, while the Salt Fire is about 5,000 acres.
Update (9:40 AM, June 18, 2024): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement regarding the Ruidoso evacuations.
“My administration is in close contact with state, tribal and federal officials about the status of these fast-moving fires, and we are quickly deploying as many resources as possible to protect people and property.
I strongly urge residents of Ruidoso and the surrounding areas to remain calm and heed official instructions to help minimize risk.
I want to thank all first responders and others who are battling these fires, managing the evacuation and providing crucial emergency services, including the town of Roswell which rapidly stood up shelter for evacuees. New Mexicans always pull together in times of need, and this time is no different.”
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Update (8:28 AM, June 18, 2024): Salt Fire, south of the Village of Ruidoso now burning at 4,876 acres, according Watch Duty.
Update (7:53 AM, June 18, 2024): Village of Ruidoso has set up the following numbers courtesy of their Facebook.
Phone bank numbers are as follows:
- 575-937-7785
- 575-973-5604
- 575-973-8977
They say they will do their best to answer questions as they gather information.
Update (7:16 AM, June 18, 2024): Both fires have grown as of this morning. This is the latest information on the two fires (South Fork Fire and Salt Fire) currently threatening the Ruidoso and Mescalero Reservation area, according to Watch Duty App.
South Fork Fire:
Acres: 13,921
Containment: 0%
Status: Active
Salt Fire:
Acres: 4,876
Containment: 0%
Status: Active
Good Morning El Paso has complete team coverage for the wildfires this morning. Live reports every half hour near the South Fork Fire. Tune in now.
Update (6:08 AM, June 18, 2024): This is the latest information on the two fires (South Fork Fire and Salt Fire) currently threatening the Ruidoso and Mescalero Reservation area, according to Watch Duty App.
South Fork Fire:
Acres: 5,252
Containment: 0%
Status: Active
Salt Fire:
Acres: 4,876
Containment: 0%
Status: Active
Update (8:50): This is the latest information on the two fires (South Fork Fire and Salt Fire) currently threatening the Ruidoso and Mescalero Reservation area, according to New Mexico Fire Info.
South Fork Fire
Acres: 360 estimated
Start Date/ Time: June 17, 2024; 9 a.m.
Cause: Under investigation
Location: Rio Ruidoso, west of the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso
Ownership: Tribal
Structure Threat: Multiple structures threatened; unknown structures lost
Resources:Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue, US Forest Service, multiple aviation assets, Complex Incident Management Team on order.
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Mixed conifer
Salt Fire
Location: Mescalero Reservation, Otero County, Southwest ofRuidoso
Size: 35 acres
Threats: Yes. Hwy 70 at Casinos and 244
Resources: BIA, Mescalero, Forest Service, multiple aviation assets
Fire Activity: Active
Evacuations: Apache Summit being evacuated
Weather: 89 Temp, 18 MPH, 10 %RH
Update (8:45 PM): Reactions and updates continue to pour in from social media:
— NM House Democrats (@NMHouseDems) June 18, 2024Our hearts are with the community of Ruidoso and everyone impacted by the South Fork Fire.
Please follow all safety instructions and evacuation orders.
You can track updates here: https://t.co/1CphqmC7zR
Smoke from active fires in the Sacramento mountains will create poor to very poor air quality across portions of Lincoln, De Baca, and Chaves counties tonight and again tomorrow. Limit outdoor activities as much as possible. #NMwx #NMFire pic.twitter.com/3y0GFfzqBJ
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) June 18, 2024
Update (8:35 PM): Alamogordo firefighters are being deployed to Ruidoso to help fight the fire. That is according to the Village of Ruidoso's official Facebook page.
Update (8:25 PM): People continue to post about the fire on social media:
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 17, 2024🚨🇺🇸NEW MEXICO: SOUTH FORK FIRE PROMPTS EVACUATIONS IN RUIDOSO
The South Fork Fire is rapidly growing, prompting immediate evacuations in parts of Ruidoso.
The Village of Ruidoso has issued a "Go" status for the Upper Canyon and Brandy Canyon areas.
The fire is reportedly 20… pic.twitter.com/m3l3DDk0UL
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) June 18, 2024Urgent mandatory evacuation in Ruidoso, New Mexico! It appears multiple wildfires, most notably the South Fork Fire, have merged and are closing in on the town.
Heavy volume as residents evacuate. Haze visible in camera with smoke plumes west. https://t.co/KXkAidOv74 @MyRadarWX pic.twitter.com/n2GXB7SIkV
Update (8:20 PM): "The South Fork Fire on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, spanning Otero and Lincoln Counties is an active fire and moving fast," Ruidoso officials stated Monday evening. "An immediate evacuation order was issued for the entire Village."
"Evacuees should use US 70 East toward Roswell," village officials added.
There is now a new evacuation center at Inn of the Mountain Gods.
Update (8:15 PM): The South Fork Fire is now burning across 3,380 acres in Ruidoso's Mescalaro Apache Indian Reservation. The fire is 0% contained.
The Village of Ruidoso is being ordered to evacuate.
Update (6:15 PM): People are posting on social media about the fire.
Might be evacuating out of Ruidoso NM due to a wildfire 2 miles from us… pic.twitter.com/RLp0lT03xP
— KyleFox 🦊 (@KyleFocks) June 17, 2024
Getting worse at 5pm Mountain time. pic.twitter.com/Jlqd6Rt6gw
— Oi díkaioi (@dikaioi) June 17, 2024
A large wildfire has developed and rapidly grown over the past 2 hours near Ruidoso NM! Citizens of the area are urged to consider voluntary evacuation!#wxtwitter #firewx pic.twitter.com/ljUw49xxGI
— Liam Rice (@LiamWX_MN) June 17, 2024
— pvp_dairy2dank (@PVP_dairy2dank) June 17, 2024Ruidoso location is closed due to the Blue 2 wildfire getting too close.
Please stay safe out there! pic.twitter.com/GbT5PRRwd6
Update (6:05 PM): New Mexico State Police have closed U.S. Highway 70 from mile markers 249 to 258 (4 miles east of Mescalero to 2 miles east of Carrizo) due to the ongoing wildfires in that area.
RUIDOSO, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management just issued an immediate evacuation notice for the Upper Canyon and Brady Canyon. There is currently a wildfire moving toward the area, officials say.
Cedar Creek's backend is also on a standby notice, meaning everyone in the area should prepare to evacuate.
"Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home," officials stated today.
There is an evacuation shelter at the Ruidoso Convention Center at 111 Sierra Blanca Drive.
The town's government is referring to the fire as the South Fork Fire. The town first notified residents about the fire today. Officials have closed down Grindstone Lake, as firefighting crafts are getting water from the lake to drop over the fire.
