Ruidoso wildfires: Fire activity 'significantly' reduced, containment increases

RUIDOSO, N.M. --- Officials with the Southwest Area Incident Management Team on Tuesday said containment on the South Fork and Salt Fires has increased, and fire activity has reduced "significantly."

As of Tuesday morning, The South Fork fire burned 17,556 acres and was at 54% containment. The Salt fire burned 7,947 acres and was at 38% containment.

Officials said pockets of heavy fuels may continue to smolder, but growth along the perimeter will be minimal. Crews continue to focus on mop up until full containment is completed. Officials said the area is expecting low chances of isolated showers on Tuesday. The area is expecting more moisture and scattered rains on Wednesday.

While there are no evacuations in place, some areas remain "no entry" zones. Find more details about the exclusion zones here. Officials reminded that a temporary flight restriction is still in place for the area, and drones are not allowed.

Wildfire resources and coverage:

• Lubbock sees haze, smoke due to Ruidoso wild fires, NWS confirms
• Evacuation shelters for Ruidoso residents during wildfires
• New Mexico governor declares state of emergency for South Fork and Salt fires
• 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