Ruidoso wildfire Thursday updates: More storms expected in afternoon, evening

Note: The above video is from the evening of June 19, 2024.

RUIDOSO, N.M. -- New Mexico state leaders have asked President Biden to declare a national emergency as wildfires burn through the Ruidoso area. Governor Lujan Grisham late Wednesday afternoon said 200-300 more firefighters are set to be deployed.

The National Guard has deployed to Ruidoso for traffic control to help the New Mexico State Police.

Fire information

The latest information from officials said the South Fork Fire was at 16,335 acres and the Salt Fire was at 7,071 acres. Both fires were at 0% containment and at least 1,400 structures have been impacted.

All of Ruidoso, the Ruidoso Downs and the Mescalero Apache Reservation were asked to evacuate. Numerous additional evacuation orders have been issued including Fantasy Lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail and Chihuahua Well.

Emergency rescues during flooding

A Flash Flood hit the Ruidoso area on Wednesday evening, sending mood and debris flowing through some areas. Officials said while the weather brings some relief, the flooding is "not helpful." Governor Lujan Grisham said, "We did three emergency rescues that we’re aware of ... expect more."

Officials with the Southwest Area Incident Command Team said both fires received "varying amounts of rain" on Wednesday.

"The highest rainfall recorded was 1.62 inches along Skyline Ridge near the Monjeau Fire Lookout on the northern side of the South Fork Fire, while rainfall on the Salt Fire measured 0.05 inches," officials stated.

Officials said more storms are likely to develop on Thursday afternoon and into the early evening. These storms bring risks of flash flooding and debris flows.

Two people have died

Authorities have confirmed two deaths in the wildfires so far. The New Mexico State Police said Patrick Pearson, 60, was found dead on the side of the road near the Swiss Chalet on Tuesday. Police said he had "numerous burns."

Brendan Dawe, Pearson's best friend, said the two have known each other for about 15 years. For the past three years, they played in a band together. Pearson played the bass and sang classic country, Dawe said. Pearson was described as the type of person who would give someone the shirt off his back. Dawe said Pearson was "one of the best musicians in the southwest."

Another person was found dead in a burned vehicle on Ranier Road on Tuesday. According to state police, the victim is still unidentified “due to the condition being skeletal remains.”

The public was asked to stay out of the Ruidoso area to allow firefighters to work. Officials said there are weakened trees, downed power lines and a potential for exposed gas lines. Officials also said drone flights are prohibited. A press release stated, "If you fly, we may have to ground our air resources."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as of Thursday. Find additional updates at EverythingLubbock.com.

Wildfire resources:

• 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