US: Authorities working to contain wildfires in New Mexico as of late June 17

Emergency crews are continuing efforts to contain two wildfires burning across the Mescalero Reservation, New Mexico. Strong winds and dry conditions have been hampering firefighting efforts in recent days. The following wildfires continue to prompt evacuations and transport disruptions:

South Fork Fire

The South Fork Fire was discovered early June 17 on tribal land along the Rio Ruidoso near Ruidoso and is affecting Otero and Lincoln counties. The fire has burned an estimated 12,108 hectares (4,900 acres) with 0 percent containment. Authorities issued evacuation orders for thousands of residents in the entire Village of Ruidoso, all of Ruidoso Downs, Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Ponderosa, Alpine Village, Cedar Creek, lower Eagle Creek, Alto Lakes, Sonterra 1, 2, and 3, all of Alto, West Gavilan, Sun Valley, Sierra Vista, Villa, Madonna, Ski Sun Road, and all of West Highway 48. Evacuation orders are also in place for Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail, Chihuahua Well, Fantasy Lane, Summit area, and Botella Road. Both Highway 48 and Highway 70 at Apache Summit are closed; the only evacuation route is from Sudderth to Highway 70 and out to Roswell. Emergency shelters are located at the Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell gymnasium and Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center. Authorities are preparing the Godfrey Athletic Center as a secondary shelter if the emergency fills up. The Tribe’s evacuation center for Reservation residents is at the Community Center Gymnasium. Residents who are voluntarily evacuating can shelter at Capitan High School. The Ruidoso Convention Center is not taking any more evacuations. Energy providers have de-energized part of Ruidoso as a precaution.

Salt Fire

The Salt Fire started June 17 on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in Otero County, southwest of Ruidoso. The fire has burned an estimated 15 hectares (35 acres) with 0 percent containment and is threatening Highway 70 at Casinos and 244. Authorities are evacuating Apache Summit.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities will likely close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents will probably disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Power outages are likely in affected areas. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.