RUIDOSO, N.M. — As of June 23, the South Fork Fire has burned over 17,000 acres, and the Salt Fire has burned almost 8,000.
According to a press release published by the New Mexico Forestry Division, 31% of the South Fork fire has been contained, while 7% of the Salt fire has been contained.
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.
Unsanctioned drone use puts responders and the public at risk because of the potential for accidents and disruption of suppression operations. A Temporary Flight Restriction is still in place over the South Fork and Salt fire area. The TFR prohibits any and all drone use by the public, as they are considered aircraft under federal law.
As evacuations and closures are lifted, extra precautions should be exercised as emergency and fire vehicles, engines and equipment continue to travel and work along roadways and incident personnel work and travel within neighborhoods.
Damage and structure assessments are still being conducted. Crews will be available to respond to any new starts and flare ups as needed.
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 will host a Community Meeting Facebook Live event on June 23 at 5 pm MDT at https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5 with representatives from Lincoln County, Ruidoso Police Department, NM State Police, Red Cross, PNM, Windstream, Mescalero Apache Telephone, Tri-State Electric, Otero Co Electric.
