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Ruidoso Wildfires

Live Updates: Two people dead in Ruidoso wildfires

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June 23, 2024 5:07 PM
Published 2:27 PM

UPDATE (4:53 PM, June 23, 2024): Leaders advise residents returning to their homes, that there are "No entry/Exclusion zones" that residents will not be able to access.

These areas are currently considered crime scenes with recovery efforts underway.

The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) K-9 strike teams are investigated and will clear those areas in questions.

Update (4:25 PM, June 22, 2024): Lincoln County says only local, full-time residents of Ranches of Sonterra 1, 2, and 3, Rancho Ruidoso Valley Estates, Enchanted Forest will have their evacuation status lifted as of 5 p.m. Saturday. Residents must use US HWY 380 to access those subdivisions.

Sunday at 8 a.m. Ruidoso Downs, Ruidoso Downs to El Valle Loop, Sierra Vista, Sun Valley, and Villa Madonna local, full-time residents will have their evacuation status lifted.

Update (7:45 PM, June 21, 2024): The South Fork Fire is 26% contained, and the Salt Fire is 7% contained, according to Watch Duty.

Update (4:30 PM, June 21, 2024): The FBI's Albuquerque Office is investigating the cause of the Ruidoso wildfires. An FBI spokesperson says the bureau is working with local, state, federal, and tribal partners to find out what started the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire.

"We ask that anyone who may have any information pertaining to the cause of the fires to please call 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov," the spokesperson added.

Update (2:25 PM, June 21, 2024): Texas Governor Greg Abbott is deploying Texas A&M Task Force 1 personnel to Ruidoso to help with FEMA's search and rescue efforts.

"As we continue to support New Mexico's response, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy Texas A&M Task Force 1 personnel to New Mexico to assist in wildfire search and rescue efforts," Abbott stated Friday. "Texas stands ready to answer the call for help when disaster strike — whether it's here in the Lone Star State or for our neighbors across the country.”

Update (10:45 AM, June 21, 2024): Officials released an update on the acreage of the two fires. Neither had grown significantly overnight. Rain has been falling on the main street in Ruidoso this morning. There are now more than a thousand people battling the blazes.

Watch ABC-7 at Noon for complete team coverage of the ongoing efforts to fight the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire.

Update (6:06, June 20, 2024): Agents from the U.S. Border Patrol stations in El Paso and Alamogordo have gone up to Ruidoso to help with the firefighting efforts.

Here is a selection of the recent social media posts about the wildfires:

Update (5:05 PM, June 20, 2024): Community leaders are giving an update on the wildfires.

Update (3:55 PM, June 20, 2024): Texas Governor Greg Abbott is now sending help to Ruidoso.

The governor made the following statement today:

"As we continue to move through hurricane season, Texans are no strangers to the devastating effects of severe weather. While the initial force of Tropical Storm Alberto dissipates, Texas was able to swiftly and effectively respond thanks to the critical work our state's first responders and emergency response personnel do to protect and assist Texas communities. Today, I am deploying emergency management personnel to assist our neighbors in New Mexico as they face wildfire and flash flooding impacts. Texas will continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities across the state and of our fellow Americans.”

Gov. Greg Abbott

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Texas A&M Forest Service sent emergency management personnel.

Update (2:55 PM, June 20, 2024): President Biden just approved Governor Lujan Grisham's Major Disaster Declaration request.

This allows for more federal and FEMA support. Federal firefighters are also going to be surged to the impacted areas, as well as U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs equipment.

The White House says 800 federal personnel are helping.

Update (1:05 PM, June 20, 2024): El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser issued the following statement about the Ruidoso wildfires:

"The bravery shown by the first responders in Ruidoso is admirable, and the strength and resilience of Ruidoso’s residents as they face this terrible tragedy demonstrates the strength and unity of their community. I have been moved by the swift action and generosity of El Pasoans who have quickly provided assistance in multiple ways, and by the way this whole region has mobilized to help our New Mexico neighbors. We ask our community to join in prayer for all those affected by this devastating disaster."

Mayor Oscar Leeser

The Las Cruces Fire Department is now sending a seven-member Technical Rescue Team to Ruidoso. The team members are highly trained in water rescue.

Update (12:00 PM, June 20, 2024): Watch ABC-7 at Noon for complete team coverage of the Ruidoso wildfires.

Update (11:25 AM, June 20, 2024): The New Mexico Environment Department's Drinking Water Bureau issued a drinking water advisory for Lincoln County. Department officials say the water has possibly been contaminated by the wildfires.

Officials say private well owners need to follow the following steps after the wildfire.

  • "Step 1: Well inspection and repair – check for damage to well components, including electrical systems, and remove debris.
  • Step 2: Flush the well until the water runs clear (approximately 30 minutes to one hour) and check water pressure. This may best be done by a well contractor.
  • Step 3: Test your well water for Coliform bacteria including (E. coli), nitrate, and other contaminants of concern.
  • Step 4: Disinfect your well if the water tests positive for bacteria (E. coli) or repairs have been done. This may best be done by a well contractor."

Update (10:50 AM, June 20, 2024): Reactions continue to pour in on social media:

Update (8:55 PM, June 19, 2024): Governor Lujan Grisham says her office is supporting the National Guard and firefighting crews.

The governor says that the incident command team is in charge of directing resources to the fires.

The governor called the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire some of the most devastating in the state's history.

Update (8:50 PM, June 19, 2024): The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico's Greatest Needs Impact Fund is funneling resources to victims of the Ruidoso wildfires. Donate here.

Update (8:40 PM, June 19, 2024): Social media users are reacting and posting videos of the wildfires:

Update (8:30 PM, June 19, 2024): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is speaking about the Ruidoso wildfires in a news conference right now. Watch live below.

Update (5:15 PM, June 19, 2024): New Mexico State Police just confirmed a second fatality in the Ruidoso wildfires.

The second person was found dead on Raynor Road Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 11:57 AM.

Update (4:55 PM, June 19, 2024): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham just requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden.

“Our first responders are heroes, but they need more resources to combat this disaster and keep our people safe," Grisham explained. “New Mexico has faced disaster before, but the scale of this emergency requires immediate federal intervention."

If granted, the declaration would provide immediate federal assistance programs for survivors. That includes Housing Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Displacement Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation, according to the Governor's Office.

Update (4:20 PM, June 19, 2024): Watch a live interview with Congressman Gabe Vasquez about the fire below.

Update (4:05 PM, June 19, 2024): Craig Rivera, a friend of Patrick Pearson, says the 60-year-old musician died in the wildfire. Pearson was found dead near the Swiss Chalet. The governor confirmed one fatality caused by the wildfires last night.

Update (3:45 PM, June 19, 2024): New videos are emerging from inside the impacted area. The videos are showing devastation, including burned out houses and forested areas.

Update (3:10 PM, June 19, 2024): Watch a live feed of Ruidoso's main street as the rain falls nearby.

Update (3:00 PM, June 19, 2024): More reactions about the flash flood warning and the wildfires are streaming in on social media:

Update (2:50 PM, June 19, 2024): The National Weather Service just posted on social media about a Flash Flood Warning for Lincoln County until 4:15 PM. The area where the meteorologists say the flash flooding could happen is on the northern regions of the South Fork Fire.

Update (2:30 PM, June 19, 2024): Ruidoso officials say growth is expected for the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire. The Salt Fire is now listed at 1% contained, while the South Fork Fire is still at 0% containment.

"With zero percent containment, extreme fire behavior, and challenging weather conditions, firefighters and resources are tirelessly working to combat the flames and protect homes and structures," village officials posted on their website.

The village also posted these fire activity updates:

"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."

Village of Ruidoso
South Fork Fire/Salt Fire Public Information Map, June 19, 2024 (Courtesy: Village of Ruidoso)
Smoke pluming from the South Fork Fire rises above the tree line as the fire progresses from the Mescalero Apache Reservation to the Lincoln National Forest (Courtesy: Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Reuters via CNN Newsource)

Update (10:10 AM, June 19, 2024): Reactions continue to come in on social media:

Update (6:26 AM, June 19,2024): South Fork Fire reportedly burning 16,335 acres with 0% containment. Salt Fire now burning at 7,071 acres. The total acreage is now 23,000.

Update (9:20 PM, June 18, 2024): Watch ABC-7's complete team coverage of the Ruidoso wildfires on our evening newscasts tonight.

Update (8:30 PM, June 18, 2024): More information from officials and reactions to the fire are coming in on social media:

Update (7:55 PM, June 18, 2024): Community members continue to post about the wildfire on social media:

Update (6:55 PM, June 18, 2024): The New Mexico Governor's office has confirmed at least person has died due to the wildfires.

Smoke fills the sky from the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, New Mexico, on June 17 (Courtesy: Jesus Figueroa via CNN Newsource)

Update (5:50 PM, June 18, 2024): Seven patients were evacuated from a local hospital. About a dozen residents of a care facility were also evacuated.

If you would like to donate towards relief efforts, visit the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico's Website.

Update (5:40 PM, June 18, 2024): Community members continue to post on social media about the wildfires:

Update (4:50 PM, June 18, 2024): Officials are now also ordering residents of Ruidoso Downs to evacuate their homes as the threat of the wildfires gets closer.

(Courtesy: EarthCam)

Update (4:40 PM, June 18, 2024): Evacuees can find shelter at the following locations.

  • The Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center, 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero
  • Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Gym, 52 B University Blvd.
  • Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 2500 SE Main St., Roswell
  • New Mexico Military Institute Athletic Center, 101 W College Blvd., Roswell
  • Church on the Move, 901 W. Brasher Rd., Roswell
  • Church on the Move Dream Center, 2700 W. Second, Ruidoso
  • Capitan High School, 519 Smokey Bear Blvd., Capitan
  • Carrizozo High School, 800 D Ave., Carrizozo
  • Christ Community Church, 2960 N Scenic Dr., Alamogordo

Update (4:10 PM, June 18, 2024): Governor Lujan Grisham's state of emergency order provides for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management help coordinating requests for help, the deployment of the National Guard to provide "military support," and direction for all state Cabinet Departments to provide assistance.

There are 20,000 acres burning between the two fires. They are 0% contained. 800 personnel from 17 agencies, including 13 hot shot wildfire fighting crews, have been deployed. That's according to the Governor's Office. A National Guard leaders says the response is an emergency operations level one, the highest response possible. Officials also said the wind is now shifting, coming from the west. They describe this as "both good and bad news." They add the weather allowed crews in the air and on the ground to work together to fight the blaze. The governor also specified in her news conference that the fire has burned several of the 500 "impacted" structures.

Update (4:00 PM, June 18, 2024): Watch Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's news conference live here:

Update (2:25 PM, June 18, 2024): Governor Lujan Grisham will speak about the wildfires and the evacuations in a news conference at 4 PM. ABC-7 will livestream the update on this page.

Update (1:50 PM, June 18, 2024): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham just issued an executive order declaring a State of Emergency for the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire.

Smoke filters through the forest near Ruidoso

Update (11:20 AM, June 18, 2024): The South Fork Fire is impacting about 500 structures near Ruidoso, according to the local government.

(Courtesy: Jesus Figueroa via CNN)

The fire is still listed at 0% containment at this time.

Update (11:10 AM, June 18, 2024): The Salt Fork Fire is nearly 14,000 acres, while the Salt Fire is about 5,000 acres.

Update (9:40 AM, June 18, 2024): New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement regarding the Ruidoso evacuations.

“My administration is in close contact with state, tribal and federal officials about the status of these fast-moving fires, and we are quickly deploying as many resources as possible to protect people and property. 

I strongly urge residents of Ruidoso and the surrounding areas to remain calm and heed official instructions to help minimize risk. 

I want to thank all first responders and others who are battling these fires, managing the evacuation and providing crucial emergency services, including the town of Roswell which rapidly stood up shelter for evacuees. New Mexicans always pull together in times of need, and this time is no different.”

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
(Courtesy: Ruidoso.net)

Update (8:28 AM, June 18, 2024): Salt Fire, south of the Village of Ruidoso now burning at 4,876 acres, according Watch Duty.

Update (7:53 AM, June 18, 2024): Village of Ruidoso has set up the following numbers courtesy of their Facebook.

Phone bank numbers are as follows:

  • 575-937-7785
  • 575-973-5604
  • 575-973-8977

They say they will do their best to answer questions as they gather information.

Update (7:16 AM, June 18, 2024): Both fires have grown as of this morning. This is the latest information on the two fires (South Fork Fire and Salt Fire) currently threatening the Ruidoso and Mescalero Reservation area, according to Watch Duty App.

South Fork Fire:

Acres: 13,921

Containment: 0%

Status: Active

Salt Fire:

Acres: 4,876

Containment: 0%

Status: Active

Good Morning El Paso has complete team coverage for the wildfires this morning. Live reports every half hour near the South Fork Fire. Tune in now.

Update (6:08 AM, June 18, 2024): This is the latest information on the two fires (South Fork Fire and Salt Fire) currently threatening the Ruidoso and Mescalero Reservation area, according to Watch Duty App.

South Fork Fire:

Acres: 5,252

Containment: 0%

Status: Active

Salt Fire:

Acres: 4,876

Containment: 0%

Status: Active

Update (8:50): This is the latest information on the two fires (South Fork Fire and Salt Fire) currently threatening the Ruidoso and Mescalero Reservation area, according to New Mexico Fire Info.

South Fork Fire 

Acres: 360 estimated                                                                           

Start Date/ Time: June 17, 2024; 9 a.m. 

Cause: Under investigation 

Location: Rio Ruidoso, west of the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso  

Ownership: Tribal                

Structure Threat: Multiple structures threatened; unknown structures lost 

Resources: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue, US Forest Service, multiple aviation assets, Complex Incident Management Team on order.  

Containment: 0%                                                                     

Fuels: Mixed conifer 

Salt Fire   

Location: Mescalero Reservation, Otero County, Southwest of Ruidoso   

Size: 35 acres   

Threats: Yes. Hwy 70 at Casinos and 244  

Resources: BIA, Mescalero, Forest Service, multiple aviation assets  

Fire Activity: Active  

Evacuations: Apache Summit being evacuated   

Weather: 89 Temp, 18 MPH, 10 %RH

Courtesy: Ruidoso.net

Update (8:45 PM): Reactions and updates continue to pour in from social media:

Update (8:35 PM): Alamogordo firefighters are being deployed to Ruidoso to help fight the fire. That is according to the Village of Ruidoso's official Facebook page.

Update (8:25 PM): People continue to post about the fire on social media:

Update (8:20 PM): "The South Fork Fire on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, spanning Otero and Lincoln Counties is an active fire and moving fast," Ruidoso officials stated Monday evening. "An immediate evacuation order was issued for the entire Village."

A map showing the area of the wildfire (Courtesy: Village of Ruidoso)

"Evacuees should use US 70 East toward Roswell," village officials added.

There is now a new evacuation center at Inn of the Mountain Gods.

Update (8:15 PM): The South Fork Fire is now burning across 3,380 acres in Ruidoso's Mescalaro Apache Indian Reservation. The fire is 0% contained.

The Village of Ruidoso is being ordered to evacuate.

Update (6:15 PM): People are posting on social media about the fire.

Update (6:05 PM): New Mexico State Police have closed U.S. Highway 70 from mile markers 249 to 258 (4 miles east of Mescalero to 2 miles east of Carrizo) due to the ongoing wildfires in that area.

RUIDOSO, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management just issued an immediate evacuation notice for the Upper Canyon and Brady Canyon. There is currently a wildfire moving toward the area, officials say.

Cedar Creek's backend is also on a standby notice, meaning everyone in the area should prepare to evacuate.

This image was provided to ABC-7 by a viewer from Ruidoso (Courtesy: Troy Wilson)

"Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home," officials stated today.

There is an evacuation shelter at the Ruidoso Convention Center at 111 Sierra Blanca Drive.

The town's government is referring to the fire as the South Fork Fire. The town first notified residents about the fire today. Officials have closed down Grindstone Lake, as firefighting crafts are getting water from the lake to drop over the fire.

Article Topic Follows: Ruidoso Wildfires

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