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Tuesday update: No growth reported in South Fork Fire near Ruidoso
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Rainfall has reduced fire activity in the Ruidoso area with no growth reported overnight in the larger South Fork Fire, officials said Tuesday.
Firefighters planned to continue mop-up operations Tuesday and work toward greater containment of the two fires.
"Fire activity has reduced significantly across the South Fork and Salt fires thanks to persistent scattered storms," according to the update issued by the Southwest Area Incident Management Team.
Pockets of large, downed fuels, snags and stumps continued to smolder, but "growth potential along the perimeter will be very minimal," it said.
The South Fork Fire, northwest of Ruidoso, had scorched 17,551 acres by Tuesday — an area unchanged from a day earlier — and was 54% contained, the update said.
The Salt Fire south of Ruidoso had burned 7,947 and was 38% contained on Tuesday.
Fire crews would focus on building control lines and mopping up hot spots until full containment is reached, the update said.
"The fire area experienced noticeably warmer conditions on Monday," the update said. "Today, temperatures will remain in the high 80s with lower chances of isolated showers. Wednesday will bring more moisture and higher potential for scattered rains."
Smoke continues to pose a hazard for people with health conditions. Smoke will continue to have the biggest impact during the late overnight and morning hours for areas near the fires such as Ruidoso, Carrizo and Ruidoso Downs.
All areas should have good air quality during much of the afternoon and evening.
