Fire Update: Thursday Morning Report
Fire Update: Thursday Morning Report
Fires and extreme weather overnight. Sadly, two confirmed fatalities. More on the infernos to our North.
The South Fork and Salt Fires in the Ruidoso and Mescalero area are still listed at over a combined 23,000 acres—there was no updated thermal fire map due to cloud coverage.
Clouds brought moisture, along with emergent concerns.
Flash floods stormed the Rio Hondo, and emergency evacuations were called for the area. Mudslides and debris flows are still a worry.
Water advisories are listed for the area—get the full list here.
Tragically, two deaths have been confirmed by New Mexico State Police. Patrick Pearson, 60, was found near the Swiss Chalet Inn burn site. Another victim was found in a burned car on Ranier Road, but remains unidentified.
Reunite Ruidoso is a Facebook page dedicated to located missing loved ones. During evacuations, cell-service and wi-fi were spotty at best, and affected communications for those fleeing the blaze.
The Red Cross line 1-800-733-2767 can offer support in locating missing persons.
The Ruidoso Fire Support Facebook page delivers info for evacuees, shelters, donations, and more.
Over 8,000 people evacuated the area, and over 1,400 structures are listed as affected by the burn.
Shelters and food relief are available in Roswell, Alamogordo, Artesia, Mescalero, and more. Surrounding counties Fair Grounds (Otero, Eddy, Chavez, etc.) are available for livestock and animal shelter.
Donations of water, gatorade, pet supplies, clothing, and more are welcome for drop off at Penasco Valley Telecommunications (PVT) in Artesia and Mayhill.
Local Ruidoso tattoo artist Logan Fle has been driving around burned areas in Ruidoso and Alto, reporting addresses as he passes homes and businesses. Some remain standing, while others are reduced beyond recognition.
The videos are posted in the Loganz Ink Facebook stories.
Cloudcroft’s Fire and EMS Chief Erich Wuersching released a statement to the Cloudcroft Reader on our village’s Emergency Alert plan. You can read the full protocol here.
The Smokey Bear and Sacramento Hotshots are diligently fighting the fire, along with multiple other agencies and responders. A Complex Incident Management Team has assumed control of operations as of this morning.
Today’s high temperature for Ruidoso is 71 degrees, with 70% humidity. Winds around 15 mph are blowing from the Southeast. A “stray shower or thunderstorm” is possible, according to The Weather Channel.
Thunderstorms are forecasted for the next ten days.
Cloudcroft Reader will continue to report during the South Fork and Salt Fires, as well as stories of recovery, relief, and rebuilding efforts.
We will be publishing Part One of our interview with the Sacramento Hotshots later this week.
You can read our earliest coverage of the fires here and here.