President Biden declares major disaster in NM, approves federal aid: recap

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The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire continue to burn in southern New Mexico.

Since its start on Monday, June 17, the wildfires have burned over 23,000 acres with 0% containment, according to the Village of Ruidoso website. It also caused the loss of approximately 1,400 structures and forced the evacuation of around 8,000 people.

The South Fork Fire is burning on Mescalero Tribal, U.S. Forest Service land and areas around Ruidoso. The Salt Fire is also active on the Mescalero Reservation. A Complex Incident Management Team is managing both fires, according to officials.

More: South Fork Fire continues to burn near Ruidoso. Here's what the fire looks like in NM

Rainy, cloudy conditions slowing Ruidoso fires

During a news conference Thursday, June 20, Fire Behavior Analyst Arthur Gonzales reported that rainy weather, which touched down in Ruidoso Wednesday night, "really took the momentum out of this fire."

The rain left a cloak of clouds atop the Sierra Blanca peaks, which covered and cooled the fires all day Thursday. Gonzales said he expects "very little spread" over the next few days. "We've still got a lot to do," he said, "but it's really changed that fire's behavior."

The South Fork Fire and  Salt Fire are not spreading as the pace seen earlier in the week.

“We expect very little growth around both fires,” an official said.

- El Paso Times staff

Cause of Ruidoso fire 'still undetermined'

An investigation into the cause of the fires is underway by authorities, Southwest Area Team 5 Incident Commander Dave Gesser said. The cause of the fires remains unknown.

"The fires are still undetermined," Gesser said "It's under investigation. I just wanted to let folks know that the cause of this is still undetermined. We do have folks working in there and looking into that as well."

FBI officials have asked anyone with information on the cause of the fires to reach out to the agency by calling 1-800-225-5324 or online at tips.fbi.gov

- Aaron Martinez

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott deploys resources to support New Mexico

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he's deploying emergency management resources to New Mexico to support efforts for the wildfires and flash flooding affecting the state.

"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," Abbott said.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas A&M Forest Service have deployed emergency management personnel this morning under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. These teams will support the State of New Mexico’s Emergency Operations Center in roles including response operations, planning, logistics, public information, finance and geographic information systems.

- Natassia Paloma and Aaron Bedoya

FBI assisting in investigating cause of Ruidoso fire

FBI Albuquerque Division agents are investigating the cause of the wildfires in New Mexico and asking for the public’s help.

“I can confirm that the FBI is assisting our local, state, federal and tribal partners in the ongoing investigation of the fires in Ruidoso, NM,” FBI Albuquerque Division spokesperson Margot Cravens said in an email. “We ask that anyone who may have any information pertaining to the cause of the fires to please call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov.”

- Aaron Martinez

President Biden approves New Mexico disaster declaration

President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in New Mexico, authorizing federal aid to assist state, tribal and local recovery efforts in response to the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire.

Federal assistance will be available to individuals in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Tribe, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and additional programs aimed at helping individuals and business owners recover from the disaster, the White House posted on its website.

Affected residents and business owners can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or through the FEMA App.

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury posted on X thanking Biden and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

"This means more support and resources for the first responders working to stop the fires, and for communities that need immediate help."

- Natassia Paloma and Aaron Bedoya

Update on fire containment, acres burned

South Fork Fire: 16,335 acres; containment: 0%

Salt Fire: 7,071 acres; containment: 0%

Personnel: 824

Numbers provided by Village of Ruidoso

- Aaron Bedoya

El Paso mayor issues statement

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser issued a statement Thursday afternoon, “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.”

- Aaron Bedoya

Alto Ski Shop sets up GoFundMe

The Alto Ski shop was heavily damaged by the fire, with social media videos capturing the shop engulfed in flames, its name still visible amidst the blaze.

The business posted on its Facebook page a link to the GoFundMe page, along with the words "We will rebuild!"

- Natassia Paloma

FedEx, UPS shipping updates during Ruidoso fires

Due to the South Fork and Salt Fires, shipping and delivery services in Ruidoso, Alto, Ruidoso Downs and Mescalero are disrupted. Here’s how FedEx, USPS and UPS are managing:

FEDEX Pick up FedEx packages in Roswell

• FedEx Location: 206 E College Blvd., Roswell

• Pickup Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• Contact: 1-800-Go-FedEx (1-800-463-3339)

USPS For questions about USPS mail delivery, please visit the USPS Delivery Information page.

UPS Emergency condition on all shipments:

• Holding Period: 7-10 days

• Next Day Air & Temperature Sensitive: Call 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877)

- Aaron Bedoya

New Mexico fire tracker

View fires across New Mexico on the map below.

Having trouble viewing the map? Click here.

- Aaron Bedoya

Weather in Ruidoso

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected Thursday, becoming more likely after 3 p.m. The high will be near 72 degrees with southeast winds at 10-15 mph. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with potential rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch, except higher in thunderstorms.

Tonight, showers and thunderstorms are likely, continuing after midnight. The low will be around 58° degrees with southeast winds at 5-15 mph. There is an 80% chance of precipitation, with potential rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch, except higher in thunderstorms.

- Aaron Bedoya

Horses evacuated from Ruidoso Downs to safety: Ruidoso mayor on 105.1 FM

Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said on W105 Your Country that 1,500-1,700 horses were evacuated from Ruidoso Downs to Sunland Park and Albuquerque.

- Natassia Paloma

GoFundMe launches hub for New Mexico wildfires

GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers related to the wildfires, making it easier for people to help those affected.

Below are several verified fundraisers that can be found on the hub: 

• Emergency Relief for Ruidoso Wildfire Victims: New Mexico musician and influencer Johnny James has launched a GoFundMe to help people affected by the fires. Donations will go toward emergency relief, including hotel rooms, food and water, and emergency transportation for displaced families. Donations are tax-deductible.

• The Cowboy Rides Away: “Hello, my name is Hilary; the daughter of Patrick Pearson who tragically passed away in the South Fork fires in Ruidoso, NM on Monday while attempting to evacuate. My siblings and I are very shocked and saddened by his sudden passing…All donations made will be used for his unexpected funeral costs.”

- Aaron Bedoya

Swiss Chalet Inn Ruidoso burned down

A post on X shows the Swiss Chalet destroyed by the fire. Where the business once stood, nothing remains.

"The building was destroyed by the South Fork Fire sometime between Monday night and Tuesday. Several cars were left in the parking lot - signaling evacuees only had moments to flee," the X user posted on June 19.

- Aaron Bedoya

How did the Ruidoso fire start?

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and people should refrain from speculation, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said at a news conference in Roswell Wednesday evening, June 19. She was joined by Roswell Mayor Timothy Jennings and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury.

Six investigators are working to find the cause, and results will be shared when the investigation is concluded, Grisham said.

- Natassia Paloma

Ruidoso fire leaves residents unaccounted for

During a mandatory evacuation order, some residents chose to stay behind, Grisham said at the news conference.

"We are very concerned about the potential loss of life," Grisham stated. "We know there are several people still unaccounted for."

Search teams are scheduled to move into Ruidoso on Thursday, June 20, to locate any remaining residents. Grisham mentioned that the exact number of residents who stayed despite the evacuation order is unknown.

A gap in communications has posed challenges for families attempting to contact their loved ones, Grisham noted. While communication systems for first responders are in place, cellular towers are currently non-operational.

Public briefings with more information will commence tomorrow afternoon, Grisham added.

- Natassia Paloma

New Mexico governor requests Major Disaster Declaration for wildfires

Grisham requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden on Wednesday, June 19, in response to the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire.

The request highlights the urgent need for federal assistance due to the extensive damage and ongoing threats from the wildfires.

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

- Natassia Paloma

Flash Flood Emergency for Ruidoso; water rescues ongoing

A Flash Flood Emergency is in effect until 11:15 p.m. MT for Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Hollywood, New Mexico, according to the National Weather Service. Water rescues are ongoing.

Flood waters are surging down the slopes in the Ruidoso area from nearby burn scars. Residents should seek higher ground and stay away from any low-lying areas that could become flooded, officials said.

At least three emergency water rescues had taken place at the time of the news conference, with more expected, Grisham said.

"Do not try and cross through any flooding anywhere," Grisham said. "Do not try and cross any flooded areas on foot or otherwise. It's incredibly dangerous."

In a video below posted by the National Weather Service, the flood waters can be seen surging downhill.

- Aaron Bedoya

Unidentified body discovered in burned car during South Fork Fire

New Mexico State Police Uniform Bureau discovered skeletal remains in the driver's seat when they arrived at the scene of a burned vehicle on Ranier Road during the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, Lincoln County, Tuesday, June 18. The person remains unidentified, and no legible identification documents were found in the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing, New Mexico State police officials said.

- Natassia Paloma

Flash Flood Warning remains in effect

Emergency management has reported flash flooding over the McBride Burn Scar in Ruidoso. A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. MT for south-central Lincoln County. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen, with an additional 0.5 to 1.5 inches possible, the National Weather Service reports.

Flash flooding is already occurring, posing a life-threatening hazard. Areas affected include Gavilan Canyon Road, particularly near the south end at the junction with Meander, Homestead Loop, and downstream to the Rio Ruidoso, according to the National Weather Service.

- Aaron Bedoya

Evacuations still in place

Evacuations remain in place for the reservation, Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs. Road closures are also in effect, Village of Ruidoso's website states.

Additional evacuation orders include Fantasy Lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail and Chihuahua Well. Residents are urged to stay out of the fire area to allow firefighters safe access and avoid hazards such as fire-weakened trees, downed power lines and potentially exposed gas lines.

- Aaron Bedoya

Did Farley's in Ruidoso burn down?

A Facebook user posted Tuesday on her account that the Farley's in Ruidoso did not burn down.

"We can't always believe what we hear farleys is still standing I'll leave my post public to ease some minds there are alot of people in Ruidoso still no service or power. God be with us all," she posted.

- Aaron Bedoya

Ruidoso weather forecast includes hail

A severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Hollywood, New Mexico, until 3:45 p.m. MT. The storm will have quarter-sized hail and winds up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

- Aaron Bedoya

Ruidoso Downs Racetrack cancels live racing, property not affected by fire

Ruidoso Downs is canceling live horseracing this weekend. They will be postponing this weekend's Bourbon Fest. They will have an update on the event once a new date is selected, the website states.

"I want to thank everyone who has reached out, concerned about the track, our Ruidoso Downs family and the horses during this time," said Ruidoso Downs General Manager Rick Baugh. "At this time, the Ruidoso Downs property has not been impacted. I ask that you please continue to pray for this community and the men and women who are on the frontline fighting these fires."

- Aaron Bedoya

Albertsons store in Ruidoso is closed but not burned down

Social media reports are helpful in disasters, but oftentimes they aren't accurate. Reports that one of Ruidoso's main grocery stores was destroyed by the Ruidoso fires are wrong.

Here is an update provided June 19 by an Albertsons official:

"The fire has not affected Albertsons Market at this time. The store is currently closed as per Ruidoso's evacuation guidelines. We will reopen once it is safe for our team members to return to the Ruidoso area.

- El Paso Times staff

First confirmed Ruidoso fire death: Patrick Pearson

Patrick Pearson, 60, was found dead on the side of the road near the Swiss Chalet Motel, located at 1451 N. Mechem Road, according to New Mexico State Police.

He is remembered as a devoted father and talented musician by loved ones.

- Natassia Paloma

More: 'He is irreplaceable': Ruidoso fire victim's family, friends mourn country musician's death

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ruidoso fire updates: South Fork Fire, Salt Fire continue to burn NM