GALLERY: A look at South Fork and Salt Fire damage, response efforts

RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – As emergency responders continue to fight the South Fork and Salt fires, some residents are being allowed back into Ruidoso. Fires and flash flooding have devastated much of Ruidoso, but crews are continuing their work to make more areas safe for reentry.

As of Tuesday, June 25, the two fires, which started on June 17, have burned a total of over 25,000 acres, prompted mass evacuations, and impacted an estimated 1,400 structures. With the fires starting to be contained, officials lifted the evacuation orders and are allowing some permanent Ruidoso residents to return.

Only some parts of the village are open for reentry; no-entry and exclusion zones have been set up in areas where there is extensive burn damage.

Officials are urging residents to head back out of the village after surveying their property. Those who choose to stay are encouraged to bring at least a week’s worth of food and drinking water. There is a boil water advisory in effect, and many areas may not have gas, water, or electricity.

For the most recent updates on the South Fork Fire, click here. For the most recent updates on the Salt Fire, click here. Below is a look into the emergency response efforts and damage caused by the Ruidoso fires.

Please follow and like us: