RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – Investigators announced on Wednesday that the South Fork Fire was started by a lightning strike. They said the point of origin for the fire along with evidence and data point to lightning as the cause. The South Fork Fire has burned 17,569 acres and forced the evacuation of the Village of Ruidoso in June. As of July 3, the fire is 87% contained.
The fire was investigated by eight agencies including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the FBI.
Investigators are still looking into the cause of the Salt Fire which has burned 7,939 acres and is 84% contained. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the start of the fire. Anyone with information can call 1-800-CALL-FBI, leave an anonymous tip at mobile number 847411, or online here.
