Ruidoso wildfires: Residents returning Monday, FBI looking for suspects

RUIDOSO, N.M. -- In an update Monday morning, officials with the Southwest Area Incident Management Team said fire behavior in Ruidoso has "reduced to smoldering." Officials also warned the public that fire activity can increase near unburned fuel as warm weather moves into the area.

As of Monday morning, officials said the South Fork fire was at 17,551 acres with 37% containment. The Salt Fire was at 7,775 acres with 7% containment. More than 1,400 structures were impacted.

The South Fork and Salt fires were both discovered on June 17 and raged at more than 25,000 acres combined. Both fires remained at 0% containment for several days. Thousands of people had to evacuate the Ruidoso area and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Sadly, the fire claimed two lives.

On June 20, President Joe Biden granted Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for New Mexico

Fire and weather details

Officials said widespread precipitation caused some localized flooding and limited access to areas across the fires on Sunday. On Monday, crews will focus on mop-up, clearing snags, hazard tree operations and securing the perimeter where conditions allow.

"While fire behavior has reduced to smoldering and creeping in heavy duff and dead/down fuels, fire activity and smoke can increase in interior pockets of unburned fuel as warmer weather moves into the region," a press release stated.

Officials asked that residents and others traveling in the area take extra precautions and watch for emergency vehicles, engines and equipment in the area.

The potential for storms was slightly reduced on Monday, with the area expecting warmer temperatures and some light winds. However, storm chances were expected to increase later in the week.

Residents returning to the area

On Saturday morning, Ruidoso residents were told they could return to the area. Officials warned there are "no entry" zones that are not accessible. Officials said those areas are considered crime scenes and are undergoing recovery efforts. See the "no entry" zones here.

"Please keep in mind that there are individuals that are unaccounted for," authorities said.

Mayor Lynn Crawford said residents should bring a week worth of food and water due to local shortages. Crawford explained the village had lost water storage, and there were no groceries in stores.

"Be conservative with your water," Crawford said on Saturday.

Crawford said some residents would not have electricity yet. He also reminded that the FBI is looking for information about the person responsible for starting the fire. Crawford asked the public to be mindful of forensic investigators in the area.

The Albuquerque FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information leading to the arrests of the person or people responsible for starting the wildfires.

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
• 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
• ‘Full-time’ Ruidoso residents able to return Monday morning, officials say
• FBI seeks suspects in 2 New Mexico wildfires that killed 2 people, damaged hundreds of buildings