RUIDOSO, N.M. — As of June 21, the South Fork Fire has burned over 16,00 acres, and the Salt Fire has burned almost 8,000.

According to a press release published by the New Mexico Forestry Division, 22 crews have responded to the fire. Eighty-seven engines are being used to combat the fire, and over 1,000 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.

Utility services – including electricity, water, internet and phones – remain shutdown across the South Fork and Salt fires. Power and service outages will continue to impact communications, making it difficult...

The Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance’s Fort Defiance Agency and Central Administration offices have re-opened at the Navajo Education Center after a temporary move to the Navajo Nation library.

Students may reach the Fort Defiance Agency office at (928) 871-7445 while the main phone and fax lines are transitioned back to the Navajo Education Center. Students  seeking information regarding their application status may check their student accounts  online 24/7 at www.onnsfa.org. Students may also upload required documents in .pdf  format to their student accounts or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed executive orders authorizing the release of $5.25 million in additional emergency funds for the Department of Homeland Security Management to support relief efforts for the ongoing South Fork and Salt fires in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation on June 20.

“In the face of such a disaster, it is imperative that we act swiftly,” she said. "Although there is still a long road to full recovery ahead, these emergency funds will help stabilize these communities and provide much-needed assistance to those in need."

Key provisions of the executive orders include:

The State’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency...

SANTA FE — U.S. President Joe Biden granted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for New Mexico, an action that will release federal funds to support recovery efforts for the ongoing South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, on June 20.

“I’m grateful to President Biden for approving the Major Disaster Declaration quickly,” Lujan Grisham said in a press release published June 20. "This federal assistance will help affected residents receive the necessary aid to begin to recover and rebuild their lives.”

The declaration will provide assistance to individuals, households and businesses in the affected areas of Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache...