NM Gov. Grisham: Cause of Ruidoso fire under investigation, avoid speculation: live updates

The South Fork Fire and Salt Fire continue to burn in southern New Mexico.

Since its start on Monday, June 17, the wildfires have burned over 20,000 acres with 0% containment, according to the Village of Ruidoso website. It also caused the loss of approximately 1,400 structures and forced the evacuation of around 8,000 people.

The Salt Fire is making a significant run toward Ruidoso Downs, posing an imminent threat. A mandatory evacuation is in effect, officials said.

The South Fork Fire is burning on Mescalero Tribal, U.S. Forest Service land and areas around Ruidoso. The Salt Fire is also active on the Mescalero Reservation. A Complex Incident Management Team is managing both fires, according to officials.

More: South Fork Fire continues to burn near Ruidoso. Here's what the fire looks like in NM

Cause of Ruidoso fire

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and people should refrain from speculation, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said at a news conference in Roswell Wednesday evening, June 19. She was joined by Roswell Mayor Timothy Jennings and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury.

Six investigators are working to find the cause, and results will be shared when the investigation is concluded, Grisham said.

- Natassia Paloma

Ruidoso fire leaves residents unaccounted for

During a mandatory evacuation order, some residents chose to stay behind, Grisham said at the news conference.

"We are very concerned about the potential loss of life," Grisham stated. "We know there are several people still unaccounted for."

Search teams are scheduled to move into Ruidoso on Thursday, June 20, to locate any remaining residents. Grisham mentioned that the exact number of residents who stayed despite the evacuation order is unknown.

A gap in communications has posed challenges for families attempting to contact their loved ones, Grisham noted. While communication systems for first responders are in place, cellular towers are currently non-operational.

Public briefings with more information will commence tomorrow afternoon, Grisham added.

- Natassia Paloma

New Mexico governor requests Major Disaster Declaration for wildfires

Grisham requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden on Wednesday, June 19, in response to the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire.

The request highlights the urgent need for federal assistance due to the extensive damage and ongoing threats from the wildfires.

"Our first responders are heroes, but they need more resources to combat this disaster and keep our people safe," said Grisham. "New Mexico has faced disaster before, but the scale of this emergency requires immediate federal intervention."

- Natassia Paloma

Flash Flood Emergency for Ruidoso; water rescues ongoing

A Flash Flood Emergency is in effect until 11:15 p.m. MT for Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Hollywood, New Mexico, according to the National Weather Service. Water rescues are ongoing.

Flood waters are surging down the slopes in the Ruidoso area from nearby burn scars. Residents should seek higher ground and stay away from any low-lying areas that could become flooded, officials said.

At least three emergency water rescues had taken place at the time of the news conference, with more expected, Grisham said.

"Do not try and cross through any flooding anywhere," Grisham said. "Do not try and cross any flooded areas on foot or otherwise. It's incredibly dangerous."

In a video below posted by the National Weather Service, the flood waters can be seen surging downhill.

- Aaron Bedoya

Unidentified body discovered in burned car during South Fork Fire

New Mexico State Police Uniform Bureau discovered skeletal remains in the driver's seat when they arrived at the scene of a burned vehicle on Ranier Road during the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso, Lincoln County, Tuesday, June 18. The person remains unidentified, and no legible identification documents were found in the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing, New Mexico State police officials said.

- Natassia Paloma

Flash Flood Warning remains in effect

Emergency management has reported flash flooding over the McBride Burn Scar in Ruidoso. A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. MT for south-central Lincoln County. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen, with an additional 0.5 to 1.5 inches possible, the National Weather Service reports.

Flash flooding is already occurring, posing a life-threatening hazard. Areas affected include Gavilan Canyon Road, particularly near the south end at the junction with Meander, Homestead Loop, and downstream to the Rio Ruidoso, according to the National Weather Service.

- Aaron Bedoya

Evacuations still in place

Evacuations remain in place for the reservation, Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs. Road closures are also in effect, Village of Ruidoso's website states.

Additional evacuation orders include Fantasy Lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail and Chihuahua Well. Residents are urged to stay out of the fire area to allow firefighters safe access and avoid hazards such as fire-weakened trees, downed power lines and potentially exposed gas lines.

- Aaron Bedoya

Did Farley's in Ruidoso burn down?

A Facebook user posted Tuesday on her account that the Farley's in Ruidoso did not burn down.

"We can't always believe what we hear farleys is still standing I'll leave my post public to ease some minds there are alot of people in Ruidoso still no service or power. God be with us all," she posted.

- Aaron Bedoya

Ruidoso weather forecast includes hail

A severe Thunderstorm Warning continues for Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Hollywood, New Mexico, until 3:45 p.m. MT. The storm will have quarter-sized hail and winds up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

- Aaron Bedoya

Ruidoso Downs Racetrack cancels live racing, property not affected by fire

Ruidoso Downs is canceling live horseracing this weekend. They will be postponing this weekend's Bourbon Fest. They will have an update on the event once a new date is selected, the website states.

"I want to thank everyone who has reached out, concerned about the track, our Ruidoso Downs family and the horses during this time," said Ruidoso Downs General Manager Rick Baugh. "At this time, the Ruidoso Downs property has not been impacted. I ask that you please continue to pray for this community and the men and women who are on the frontline fighting these fires."

- Aaron Bedoya

Albertsons store in Ruidoso is closed but not burned down

Social media reports are helpful in disasters, but oftentimes they aren't accurate. Reports that one of Ruidoso's main grocery stores was destroyed by the Ruidoso fires are wrong.

Here is an update provided June 19 by an Albertsons official:

"The fire has not affected Albertsons Market at this time. The store is currently closed as per Ruidoso's evacuation guidelines. We will reopen once it is safe for our team members to return to the Ruidoso area.

- El Paso Times staff

First confirmed Ruidoso fire death: Patrick Pearson

Patrick Pearson, 60, was found dead on the side of the road near the Swiss Chalet Motel, located at 1451 N. Mechem Road, according to New Mexico State Police.

He is remembered as a devoted father and talented musician by loved ones.

- Natassia Paloma

More: 'He is irreplaceable': Ruidoso fire victim's family, friends mourn country musician's death

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ruidoso fire: South Fork Fire and Salt Fire continue to burn NM