EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — New Mexico fire officials report “minimal” fire activity and continue to report progress in containing two large wildfires that have ravaged the Ruidoso and Mescalero Apache areas this month.
The Salt Fire is now 84 percent contained, and the South Fork Fire is 79 percent contained, the New Mexico Forestry Division reported on Sunday, June 30.
The two fires have burned more than 25,000 acres — South Fork (17,569 acres) and Salt (7,939), the Forestry Division said.
Meanwhile, scattered storms caused severe flash flooding in the Ruidoso area, causing some residents to have to evacuate. An evacuation order for the Upper Canyon area remained in effect on Sunday.
“Flash floods were observed across the fire area on Saturday. Flooding will continue to pose a threat as afternoon storms pass across the South Fork and Salt fires,” the Forestry Division said.
About 725 fire personnel remain on scene, according to the Forestry Division. Resources include: 17 crews, three helicopters, 25 engines, two bulldozers and eight water tenders.
“Fire activity remains minimal across the South Fork and Salt fires. While some hot spots are present within the fire area, heat sources are more than 150 feet from the closest perimeter/holding lines and pose no threat to containment,” the Forestry Division said.
Sunday, crews will focus on “constructing direct control lines on the west side of the (fire) incident to protect values at risk and further increase containment as weather and road conditions allow. Mop up along established control lines is also underway and will continue for the foreseeable future. Additionally, suppression repair work on constructed containment lines and structure assessments will continue where appropriate and safe to do so,” the Forestry Division said.
As for weather, both fire areas experienced what were called “intense scattered thunderstorms” on Sunday, which resulted in flooding and debris.
Sunday temperatures will remain in the mid-80s with continued chance of scattered storms, the Forestry Division said.
Very little smoke was produced by the fires on Saturday because of the scattered storms, the Forestry Division said.
“When temperatures increase, and thunderstorms decrease, pockets of heat may produce light amounts of smoke,” the Forestry Division said.
A closure order for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District was issued on June 20.
The Mescalero Apache Tribe also issued an “Extreme Fire Restriction” notice on Friday. Under this restriction, use of charcoal grills and campfires are prohibited. The use of gas burning or electric cooking devices are allowed in campgrounds and residential areas.
Outdoor smoking is prohibited unless in an enclosed vehicle or an area that is 5 feet in diameter that has been cleared of all flammable materials.
More information is available at https://mescaleroapachetribe.com.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Public/commercial drone flights are prohibited within this area.
