This morning at approximately 10:50 a.m., a fire was reported on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation near the south fork of the Rio Ruidoso, near Mescalero Cabins and Upper Canyon.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Mescalero Agency is the lead agency responding to this incident and is implementing a “Full Suppression” response. The fire is 18 acres and growing and there is spotting ahead of the fire. Ground resources were pulled back from the fire line because of increased fire activity which made it too dangerous for a direct attack by firefighters – fire suppression is occurring by air only at this time. Currently, there is one hot shot crew, 1 large air tanker, and 3 helicopters on scene. Another large air tanker and another helicopter have been ordered and are on their way. 2 more hotshot crews are en route to the fire.
Upper Canyon and Brady Canyon residents and businesses are being placed on “ready” status.
Please stay out of the area. Do not call 911 for fire updates; please utilize non-emergency numbers.