Daily Update, Thursday, June 20, 2024 

Public Information Line:575-323-8258 

Media Information Line: 575-323-8053 

Phone Line Hours: 8 am – 8 pm 

Email: 2024.southfork@firenet.gov  

Acres: South Fork – 16,335; Salt – 7,071     

Start Date: June 17, 2024 

Location: Ruidoso, NM     

Personnel: 824 Containment: 0%     

Fuels: mixed conifer, grass, pine/juniper Resources:  Crews, heavy equipment, engines, helicopters and air tankers.  

Highlights: A community meeting is schedule for 5 pm, Thursday, June 20, 2024. All community members are welcome to join via https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5. Please note, a Facebook account is not needed to participate in the live stream.

Fire Activity:  Wednesday, the South Fork Fire experienced active fire behavior through the early part of the day until storms moved into the fire area. Firefighters observed torching trees, uphill runs where wind and terrain aligned and short-range spotting across the South Fork and Salt fires, including within the dead/down fuels of the 2012 Little Bear Fire. In addition to responding to and catching several spot fires yesterday, firefighters worked to secure a portion of the South Fork eastern perimeter from Cedar Creek to eagle Creek (~3 miles) and the south side from Cedar Creek to Flume Canyon.   The north and eastern sides of the South Fork Fire remain the focus for today’s operations, including North Fork and South Fork of Eagle Creek, and along the Rio Ruidoso.  Crews will continue constructing firelines to prevent further fire growth, while continuing to protect homes, properties, and critical infrastructure. Ground and aerial ignitions may be used where needed to strengthen protection of values at risk and burn out fuels between constructed firelines and the main fire.   

Weather: On Wednesday, the South Fork and Salt fires received varying amounts of rain.  The highest rainfall recorded was 1.62” along Skyline Ridge near the Monjeau Fire Lookout on the northern side of the South Fork Fire, while rainfall on the Salt Fire measured .05”. Thursday’s incoming weather will produce clouds, cooler temperatures (68-75 degrees) and higher day/night relative humidity. Storms will likely develop over the lower east slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in the afternoon and into the early evening, producing 20-30mph gusts. Heavy rain, flash floods and debris flows are a potential risk from these storms through the week.  

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be observed across both the South Fork and Salt fires today. Individuals sensitive to smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. For more information visit Air Quality: https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html  

Evacuations: A State of Emergency for the Mescalero Apache Reservation has been implemented by the Tribal Council. Evacuations remain in-place. Village of Ruidoso and City of Ruidoso Downs are in “GO” evacuation status. Road closures are also in effect. Numerous additional evacuation orders have been issued including Fantasy Lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail, and Chihuahua Well. Please stay out of the fire area to allow firefighters safe access into the area and allow them to work safely.  There are hazards in the area including fire weakened trees, downed power lines, and potential for exposed gas lines.   Road and trail closures are in effect throughout the fire area. Both Highway 48 and Highway 70 at Apache Summit are closed; the open evacuation route is Highway 70 to Roswell. State Hwy 48 is closed from Alpine Village/University to State Hwy 220. US 70 is closed from mm 249 (intersection NM 244), 4 miles east of Mescalero, to mm 258, 2 miles east of Carrizo (https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire).   

Closures: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is also in place over the fire area. Visit https://www.tfr.faa.gov for more information. Drone flights are also prohibited within this area. If you fly, we may have to ground our air resources.  

More information:  Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmmea-south-fork-and-salt

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UPDATED fundraising goals/purposes added given your generosity and support:

This GoFundMe is established by the Mescalero Apache Tribe to support the Tribe’s South Fork and Salt Fires emergency response efforts. The Tribe is operating two evacuation sites on Reservation for tribal and non-tribal families. The original purpose of this GoFundMe was to support these evacuation sites. Donations made prior to this update will continue to support this purpose.

Donations made after this update (made 6-20-24 at 9:47 AM) will go toward supporting the Tribe’s evacuation sites and evacuation sites in the neighboring communities. In addition, new donations will also support post-fire flood mitigation and response (if any). Finally, donations will support recovery efforts by Mescalero, Ruidoso, Alto, and the surrounding communities affected by the fires.

Any donation is appreciated. We are deeply moved by the innumerable donations already received. We thank you for reaching out and hope that this GoFundMe makes it easier to help.

Official Go Fund Me link: https://gofund.me/dc324cd8

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Tribal Offices are closed. Businesses is only open to fire support and evacuees due to the evacuation site and donation site held at the Mescalero Community Center Gym.

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The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flash Flood Watch for areas near McBride, Blue 2, and nearby burned areas in effect from 3pm MDT to late tonight. Monitor later forecasts at https://www.weather.gov/abq/and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

https://bit.ly/3VxAi7P

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Specialized infant formula donations are needed!

• Similac Sensitive
• Similac NeoSure
• Nutrimigen Hypoallergenic
• Enfamil NeuroPro
• Enfamil A.R.
• Parent Choice Sensitive
• Basic/Regular Formula (any brand)

Donations can be accepted at Mescalero Community Center. Contact Christina Byers 575-808-2197.

Even 1 can will make a difference! Thank you!

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Public Information Line: 575-323-8258 

Media Information Line: 575-323-8053 

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A Critical Incident Management Team as of 6AM June 19th has taken over fire suppression efforts for South Fork & Salt Fire.

A mile length of burned fiber is being rerouted by MATI along with CCI crews. Due to this, cell phone and internet connection is difficult.

No homes have been lost with exception of one small structure due to the Salt Fire.

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Tribe’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is located in the West Conference Room at Tribal Administration Offices located at 108 Central Ave Mescalero, NM. All inquiries directed to the Tribe in relation to the South Fork and Salt Fires should be directed to 575-464-9214 (telephone) or 575-464-9301 (facsimile). For donations, please call 575-464-9920.

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Daily Update June 19, 2024

Public Information Line:575-323-8258 

Media Information Line: 575-323-8053 

Phone Line Hours: 8 am – 8 pm 

Email: 2024.southfork@firenet.gov  

Acres: South Fork – 16,335; Salt – 7,071           Start Date: June 17, 2024 

Location: Ruidoso, NM Personnel: 254 

Containment: 0%       Fuels: mixed conifer, grass, pine/juniper 

Resources:  Crews, heavy equipment, engines, helicopters and air tankers. 

Highlights: Southwest Area Team 5, led by Incident Commander Dave Gesser, assumed command of the South Fork and Salt fires at 6:00AM, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. 

Fire Activity: Extreme fire behavior occurred across the South Fork and Salt fires on Tuesday, with crowning and long-range spotting observed. Aviation resources, including fixed wing air tankers and helicopters, conducted water and retardant drops throughout the day. Air resources worked in conjunction with ground resources, firefighters and heavy equipment, to continue constructing fireline including around structures. Firefighters quickly secured a spot fire on the South Fork Fire Tuesday. 

Fire crews, heavy equipment and additional resources will continue building fireline on both the South Fork and Salt fires while air resources will assist from the sky with ongoing water and retardant drops. Firefighters will be alert for spot fires and respond quickly to all fire threats. Changing wind direction and potential for afternoon thunderstorms could create challenging conditions for firefighter in the air and on the ground. Firefighting resources continue to arrive and will be briefed on current fire conditions before going to the fireline. 

Weather: The fire area experienced strong southwest flow yesterday. Tuesday night, winds shifted out of the east/southeast to begin bringing gulf moisture into the Sacramento Mountains Wednesday. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms to the east of the fire area are expected with temperatures in the mid to high 80s and 10-20mph winds. 

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be observed across both the South Fork and Salt fires today. Individuals sensitive to smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. For more information visit Air Quality: https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html

Evacuations: A State of Emergency for the Mescalero Apache Reservation has been implemented by the Tribal Council. Evacuations remain in-place. Village of Ruidoso and City of Ruidoso Downs are in “GO” evacuation status. Road closures are also in effect. Numerous additional evacuation orders have been issued including Fantasy Lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail, and Chihuahua Well. Please stay out of the fire area to allow firefighters safe access into the area and allow them to work safely.  There are hazards in the area including fire weakened trees, downed power lines, and potential for exposed gas lines. 

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We want to express our sincere gratitude to the people who have donated to our Go Fund Me. We have MET OUR GOAL. Rest assure the donations will go directly to our fire support efforts and we still accepting donations. The Mescalero Apache Tribe is incredibly grateful for all the amazing people who made our goal reachable! ‘IXÉHE!

Reminders: Evacuation sites at the IMG Convention Center & Mescalero Community Center Gym are OPEN to any evacuees as a result of the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire (tribal or non-tribal). Call our Tribal EOC at 575-9214 for more info.

Mescalero Conservation is helping house livestock and pets. They will provide food and water for such animals. They can be reached at 575-464-9323.

Official Link: https://gofund.me/426794a2

Donations: 575-464-9220

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