South Fork Fire – update June 18 at 9:00 pm
Location: Mescalero Reservation, Otero County
Size: 15,276 acres per Incident Status Summary on the form called the “209”
Threats: Yes. Estimated 1,400 structures lost
Resources: Erick Kimbrell, IC Type 3, BIA, Mescalero, Forest Service, multiple aviation assets, Lincoln County, Otero County, Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Forestry Division. Complex Incident Management (CIM) Team arrived at 1300 today for inbrief and shadow. CIM takes command of the incident tomorrow 0600
Fire Activity: Crowning, long-range spotting, crews were able to go direct when conditions allowed
Evacuations: Rough estimate of 8,000 people. We will be getting confirmation in the morning
Shelters: So far we have 11 shelters that are confirmed. We are getting reports of many independent shelters opening and we will get more numbers in the morning.
Weather: Tonight a low temp of 56, SW winds 5 to 15 mph, 12-16% RH