The picturesque mountain town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, known for its alpine scenery and outdoor recreation, faced unprecedented wildfires during the spring and summer of 2024.
The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire devastated large portions of the region, transforming the landscape and challenging the resilience of this tight-knit community. Wildland fire investigators continue to assess the causes, including lightning strike data and fire behavior patterns.
The village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, has historically faced significant wildfire risks due to its location in a forested area prone to dry conditions. Ruidoso sits in the Sierra Blanca mountain range and is surrounded by Lincoln National Forest, creating conditions that can be conducive to wildfires during drought periods.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District has seen increased fire activity in recent years, prompting multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to enhance land management strategies.
Level II Fire Protections Implemented
In April 2024, Ruidoso initiated Level II Fire Protections, prohibiting residents from a variety of activities that could unintentionally spark a fire as the Lincoln National Forest increased the fire danger rating from moderate to high. Smoking outside, lighting campfires and fireworks, operating an internal combustion chainsaw, and using charcoal were among the prohibited activities, according to the ordinance.
Small wildfires were reported in the Ruidoso area in the spring of 2024.
Summer Intensifies Fire Danger
What began as an already concerning fire season intensified during the summer months. June and July brought more severe fires that threatened homes, the region’s critical infrastructure, and beloved Lincoln National Forest recreational areas.
The South Fork and Salt Fires required the mobilization of more than 800 firefighters and over 40 Army and Air National Guardsman from across the Southwest. Evacuation orders affected thousands of residents and tourists, dealing another blow to the local economy.
Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford worked closely with emergency officials to coordinate response efforts, while temporary flight restrictions were implemented to aid aerial firefighting operations.
2024 Ruidoso Fires & FBI Investigations
Ruidoso and the surrounding areas experienced two substantial wildfires in the summer of 2024, the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire.
South Fork Fire
The South Fork Fire began on June 17, 2024 near Ruidoso and the Mescalaro Apache Reservation. In total, the fire burned 17,569 acres. Strong winds thwarted the swift response as 15,000 acres burned in the first 24 hours. Evacuations began just 10 hours after the fire started.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency on June 18, 2024, for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
The South Fork Fire was 99% contained by July 15, 2024, and considered vanquished by August 20, 2024.
After initial speculation of human negligence and foul play, wildland fire and law enforcement investigators conclusively determined that the South Fork Fire was caused by a lightning strike, per a July 3, 2024, FBI report. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, and the FBI.
Salt Fire
June 17, 2024 also marked the start of the Salt Fire in Ruidoso and the Mescalaro Apache Reservation that burned 7,071 acres.
The Salt Fire remains under investigation, as of March 2025. Federal investigators allege that this fire was human-caused. The FBI offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for starting the Salt Fire.
Additional Suspicious Fires
According to KOB4, “The Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, and the U.S. Forest Service joined the investigation. They identified at least 16 separate human-caused fires, sparked from May 3 to June 18 in a 25 square-mile area.”
The Associated Press reported that the FBI is investigating a couple suspected of being linked to at least six of these fires, including the Salt Fire. Evidence collected includes witness testimony, shoe prints, and tire marks.
The investigation into these fires is ongoing, with multiple agencies involved in the effort to determine the full extent of the incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
2024 Ruidoso Floods
The 2024 Ruidoso wildfires were followed by severe flooding, compounding the disaster for this New Mexico mountain community. Flash flooding and debris flows occurred near Ruidoso in early July 2024, following weeks of wildfires.
Floodwaters, darkened by soot and ash from recent fires, surged down mountain canyons, submerging Highway 70. Emergency services conducted 77 water rescues during the flooding event.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued multiple Flash Flood Emergencies, with rainfall upwards of an inch impacting bridges, culverts, and low-lying areas. By July 20, 2024, Ruidoso had experienced 13 Flash Flood Emergencies in a month.
About 100 National Guard members assisted with flood mitigation efforts, including distributing 18,000 sandbags prepared by the region’s firefighters, and repairing roads.
Ruidoso Mayor Crawford issued Executive Order 2024-01 on September 3, 2024, waiving permitting and installation fees for rebuilding properties destroyed by the fires and floods.
The floods demonstrated the ongoing risks faced by communities in wildfire-affected areas and the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness.
Community Response and Resilience
Despite the devastation, the response from the Ruidoso community exemplified remarkable solidarity. Local shelters in Roswell to the east and Alamogordo in the southwest quickly filled with displaced residents, while neighboring communities opened their doors to evacuees who faced mandatory evacuation orders.
In response to the devastating impact of the 2024 Ruidoso wildfires, the community also unified to provide substantial support through various fundraising initiatives.
Fundraising Initiatives
- GoFundMe Campaign: A GoFundMe campaign raised $80,546 as of March 2025 to support wildfire relief efforts in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
- Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico: The Community Foundation established a Greatest Needs Impact Fund for Lincoln and Otero Counties. The El Paso Community Foundation donated $50,000 to this fund.
- Chevron Donation: Chevron committed $100,000 to support relief and recovery efforts. This included $75,000 for the Greatest Need Impact Fund for Lincoln and Otero counties, and $25,000 for the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
- REALTORS® Relief Grant: The New Mexico Association of REALTORS® announced a $500,000 relief grant for those affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires.
These efforts, along with others, demonstrate the strong community spirit and an overt willingness to support those impacted by the wildfires.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The fires dramatically altered the Lincoln National Forest landscape, burning through thousands of acres of Ponderosa Pine and mixed conifer forest. Wildlife habitats were significantly disrupted, with ecological impacts expected to last for decades.
Locals reported an influx of wildlife populations seeking shelter and food in towns and on motorways after the fires.
Tourism, the lifeblood of Ruidoso’s economy, suffered considerably. The Ski Apache ski resort, which transforms into a summer adventure park, and Ruidoso Downs racetrack — two major tourist attractions — experienced closures during what would typically be their busiest seasons. Both locations quickly resumed operations after the wildfires.
Historical Context of Wildfires in Ruidoso
Ruidoso has experienced several significant fires in recent decades. The Little Bear Fire in 2012 burned 44,330 acres and destroyed 254 structures, making it one of the most destructive wildfires in New Mexico’s history. In 2021, the Three Rivers Fire burned 5,854 acres in the Lincoln National Forest and was fully contained on June 21, 2021.
Wildfire Risk Factors
Scientists and land management experts pointed to the Ruidoso fires as yet another example of how climate change is intensifying fire behavior in the American Southwest. Lightning data collected during the 2024 fire season suggests a high correlation between storms and fire outbreaks in the region.
Several factors contribute to Ruidoso’s wildfire vulnerability:
- Geography: Situated in a forested mountain region with canyons that can funnel winds and accelerate fire spread.
- Climate conditions: The area experiences periods of drought and high winds, particularly in spring and early summer.
- Forest density: Parts of the surrounding Lincoln National Forest contain dense vegetation that can serve as kindling for fires.
- Urban-wildland interface: Many homes in Ruidoso are built within or adjacent to forested areas, increasing risk exposure.
Looking Forward
Forest management experts continue to emphasize the importance of preventative measures including:
- Strategic forest thinning
- Regular controlled burns
- Fire-resistant building materials and construction methods
- Community-wide participation in wildfire preparedness programs
For communities in wildfire-prone regions like Ruidoso, adaptation to changing climate conditions and implementation of science-based prevention strategies remain critical to long-term resilience and safety.
The Path Ahead
The 2024 South Fork and Salt Fires will likely be remembered as a turning point for this New Mexico mountain town. Through the smoke and ash, a stronger, more prepared community is emerging — one that honors its losses while looking toward a more resilient future.
Every year as winter approaches and the immediate threat of fire subsides, the work of rebuilding homes, restoring the forest, and healing the community continues. For Ruidoso, the path forward will require not only physical reconstruction but also a new relationship with the changing landscape and climate that defines this beloved mountain refuge.
Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Recommendations
To protect the Ruidoso community from wildfires, proactive measures are essential. Here are actionable steps for prevention and mitigation:
1. Observe Red Flag Warnings and Fire Restrictions
- Stay informed about Red Flag Warnings, which signal extreme fire danger due to weather conditions.
- Follow Level I, II, or III fire restrictions, including bans on outdoor burning, campfires, smoking, and use of equipment that may spark fires.
2. Create Defensible Space
- Clear flammable materials within 5 feet of your home and thin vegetation within 30–100 feet.
- Trim tree branches at least 15 feet above ground and space trees to reduce fuel loads.
3. Harden Homes Against Wildfires
- Use fire-resistant materials for roofs, siding, and decks.
- Install ember-resistant screens on vents and clean roofs and gutters regularly to prevent ignition.
4. Community-Wide Collaboration
- Work with local authorities to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
- Participate in fuel reduction projects and create strategic fire breaks in high-risk areas.
5. Emergency Preparedness
- Develop evacuation plans with multiple routes and prepare an emergency “go kit” with essentials.
- Sign up for local alerts and stay ready to act quickly during fire emergencies.
By observing warnings, following fire restrictions, and implementing these steps, the Ruidoso community can reduce wildfire risks and enhance safety for all residents.
Posted by Ruidoso.com
