EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The South Fork and Salt fires are both 77 percent contained, and all zones are now open to residents in the Ruidoso area, according to the New Mexico Forestry Division on Saturday, June 29.
Fire crews are remaining vigilant and are on the lookout for hot spots, according to the Forestry Division.
As of Saturday, both fires have combined to burn more than 25,000 acres across private, public and tribal lands (South Fork — 17,569; Salt – 7,939).
Both fires started on June 17 and quickly escalated on that first day, forcing thousands to evacuate.
About 780 firefighters remain on scene continuing to fight the fires and monitor for hot spots. Both fires are currently staffed with 18 crews, four helicopters, 31 engines, four bulldozers, and 10 water tenders.
Evacuation sites on the Mescalero Apache Reservation are now closed. Donations will be taken and distributed to tribal members in need from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Inn of the Mountain Gods’ convention center.
FEMA is located and operates from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. outside the Mescalero Community Center until further notice. They are assisting the public with general government assistance (unemployment, EBT, etc.).
For Village of Ruidoso re-entry, all “No Entry/Exclusion” zones are now open.
“There are still firefighters, firefighting equipment, utility company workers and vehicles travelling through the area,” the Forestry Division said.
“Their work is critical to restore utilities and services,” the Forestry Division added.
The Forestry Division said this about the fires’ activity on Friday and what can be expected on Saturday:
“Friday’s clear skies, warmer temperatures, and decreased humidity created an environment favorable for the remaining isolated heat sources to dry out and increase combustion rates, making them easier to detect and extinguish. Additionally, thanks to infrared detection, 10 remaining hot spots were identified and are a primary focus for firefighters this weekend. Crews will also conduct suppression repair, including chipping operations near Villa Madonna and repairing dozer lines where needed.”
As for the weather in the Ruidoso and Mescalero areas, the fires experienced a brief drying trend as scattered showers moved away from the area Thursday through Friday. Saturday brings with it warmer temperatures and increased potential for scattered afternoon rains, according to the Forestry Division.
Smoke will continue to have its biggest impact during the late overnight and morning hours near the fire, according to the Forestry Division.
An emergency closure order was issued for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear District 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.
“If you fly, we may have to ground our air resources,” the NM Forestry Division said.
