RUIDOSO, N.M. — As of June 22, the South Fork Fire has burned over 16,000 acres, and the Salt Fire has burned almost 8,000.
According to a press release published by the New Mexico Forestry Division, 23 crews have responded to the fire. Ninety-four engines are being used to combat the fire, and over 1,100 firefighters are on the scene.
Both fires started on June 17, and it is believed that both were started when mixed conifer, grass, and pine/juniper went up in flame.
While rains assisted with moderating fire activity, this incident is not over. Hazards exist across the South Fork and Salt fires. Downed powerlines, damaged water, sewer, and gas lines, localized flooding, fire weakened trees and other environmental hazards continue to pose risks to firefighters and the public. Extra precautions should be exercised along roads as emergency and fire vehicles, engines and equipment continue to travel and work along roadways. As such, evacuations and road and area closures will remain in effect. These will not be lifted until fire conditions are diminished, and hazards have been addressed.
Widespread precipitation resulted in minimal fire behavior across the area on June 21. Due to these weather conditions, firefighter activity was limited on the South Fork and Salt fires. Conditions are expected to improve on June 22, allowing crews to continue fire suppression efforts.
On June 22 crews on the South Fork and Salt fires will resume constructing fireline in difficult terrain, patrol firelines, and monitor for hotspots near firelines. Residents should remember that while fire behavior has been reduced to smoldering and creeping in heavy duff and dead/down fuels with minimal spread, fire can and will still actively burn across the South Fork and Salt fires, especially with changing weather conditions. Smoke will persist and hazards are still present across the fire area, including fire-weakened trees along roadways and near critical infrastructure.
In addition to firefighters continuing the work on securing the perimeter and responding to hot spots within the interior of the fire area, damage and structure assessments are being conducted. Crews will be available to respond to any new starts and flare ups as needed.
Smoke will continue to be observed across both the South Fork and Salt fires. 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.
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for several areas in and near both the South Fork and Salt fires. Evacuation information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com.
A South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order was issued on June 20 for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District. The identified areas, and roads and trails therein, are closed to public access to provide enhanced safety of firefighting personnel and the public.
