Both South Fork and Salt fires over 50% contained, residents encouraged not to shoot off fireworks

RUIDOSO — The fire-raked Ruidoso area received some rain Wednesday, but no major flooding.

Lincoln County emergency management specialist Michael Scales told the Journal that rain was expected to continue through the night and it would be monitored.

National Weather Service of Albuquerque meteorologist Andrew Mangham said afternoon and early evening thunderstorms are expected again on Thursday, and while Friday "will calm down somewhat," it only takes one bad storm on a burn scar to result in dangerous flooding.

Scales said that too much rain could cause flooding that would "take out as much as what the fire did."

As of Wednesday morning, the South Fork Fire has burned 17,569 acres north of Ruidoso and the Salt Fire, 7,939 acres south of the village. Containment was 64% for South Fork Fire and 55% for the Salt Fire, and 949 firefighters remained on the scene, a Southwest Area Incident Team update said.

The update also warned people about the use of fireworks in the area with the Fourth of July holiday coming next week.

"The Mescalero Apache Reservation, Lincoln National Forest and municipal areas have areas that have not received significant rainfall, and fireworks could start new fires," the update said. "Please celebrate without fireworks this year, so firefighters can complete their efforts to secure the perimeter of the South Fork and Salt fires."

The management team is also reminding people about the South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order that was issued on June 20 for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District. "The identified areas, and roads and trails therein, are closed to public access to allow firefighting personnel to work through the fire area safely."

A temporary flight restriction is also in place over the fire area. Public and commercial drone flights are also prohibited within this area.

"If you fly, we may have to ground our air resources," the update said.