Ruidoso fire updates for June 21: Wildfires burn over 24K acres, FEMA to respond

RUIDOSO, New Mexico — Fire officials on Friday morning said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is set to help respond to the Ruidoso wildfires. As of Friday morning, the South Fork Fire was at 16,349 acres while the Salt Fire was at 7,652 acres.

Sadly, the fires have claimed two lives so far .

Fire and weather details

Both fires remained at 0% containment. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team said more than 1,000 personnel were on scene. Friday morning’s update described Thursday’s fire behavior as “minimal” due to rain and high humidity.

“Precipitation ranged from substantial rain and hail (up to 1.62”) to scarce sprinkles and scattered showers throughout day and overnight firefighting operations,” a press release stated.

Officials said cooler temperatures and light winds were expected on Friday. Fire officials warned of Thunderstorms that could bring heavy rain, flash flooding and debris flows in the afternoon.

Evacuations and closures

Officials said mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for numerous areas in and near both wildfires. Both Highway 48 and Highway 70 at Apache Summit are closed. The open evacuation
route is Highway 70 to Roswell. State Highway 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.

Officials also said an emergency closure was issued for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District. The areas are closed to public access.

To see the map for active fires, click here . Find additional information on the Village of Ruidoso Facebook page or website .

Wildfire resources and coverage:

• Lubbock sees haze, smoke due to Ruidoso wild fires, NWS confirms
• Evacuation shelters for Ruidoso residents during wildfires
• Reunification efforts underway after Ruidoso evacuates due to wildfires
• Update on Ruidoso wildfires Tuesday morning after mandatory evacuations
• ‘Frightening’ Ruidoso resident leaves home as wildfires burn through town
• New Mexico governor declares state of emergency for South Fork and Salt fires
• Flash Flood Warning issued during Ruidoso wildfires
• Alto Ski Shop & Bar among 1,400 structures destroyed by South Fork Fire
• Ruidoso wildfires: 2 people dead, at least 1,400 structures impacted so far
• ‘It’s devastating:’ How Lubbock can help during the Ruidoso wildfires
• Two deaths reported in South Fork Fire, New Mexico State Police say
• Ruidoso wildfire Thursday updates: More storms expected in afternoon, evening
• Veteran loses home in Ruidoso fires but has ‘great attitude,’ daughter starts GoFundMe
• Friend remembers first Ruidoso fire victim as a ‘great person’ with a ‘big heart’

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