Ruidoso fire updates for June 23: Wildfires burn over 25K acres, FBI investigating

RUIDOSO, N.M. — A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered by the New Mexico authorities for information that could lead to information on the cause of the South Fork and Salt Wildfires near Ruidoso.

In the coming days, “full-time, local residents” will be allowed to return to their homes on Monday at 8:00 a.m.

Weather and Fire details

As of Sunday morning, the wildfires have burned more than 25,000 acres combined and are still only partially contained. The South Fork Fire is 31% contained, and the Salt Fire is 7% contained. Officials say the additional precipitation has made it difficult for crews to access some areas due to “unsafe conditions.”

Weather conditions are expected to allow firefighters to secure a perimeter and respond to hotspots within the area’s interior. As warm weather enters the area, scattered thunderstorms are possible.

Evacuations and Closures

A temporary flight restriction is in place for fire areas, with drone flights all being prohibited. A South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order was issued on June 20, 2024, for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District.

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’
• ‘Full-time’ Ruidoso residents able to return Monday morning, officials say
• Investigation underway for Ruidoso fires, reward offered for information

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