The Moser Fire Update 5-20-24

The Moser Fire started around 3:45 pm today off the side of Highway 82, four miles east of Cloudcroft. The fire began moving uphill in mixed conifer forest. Gusty winds created several spot fires ahead of the main fire. Firefighters from multiple agencies quickly responded to the fire. Firefighting crews and heavy equipment, including 2 bull dozers, are constructing direct fire line on the south, southwest and western sides of the fire and will continue to work their way to the north. 

Three large air tankers are in service, two very large air tankers, and a helicopter dropped several loads of fire retardant and water. These aviation resources will remain available tomorrow as needed. Fire activity has decreased from the initial start and is now moving across the forest floor.

The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. There are no injuries or fatalitiesA mandatory evacuation has been issued for residents north of the U.S. Highway 82 junction to mile marker 23.

Residents along roads connected to Alpine Road, Hollywood Boulevard, Pine Ridge Loop Road and Wildwood Loop are being asked to evacuate.

Residents in the Quarres Acres and Cloudcounty West RV area are advised to leave immediately.

There are no evacuations ordered for the town of Cloudcroft at this time, per the mayor. 

A shelter has been established at Cloudcroft High School at 10 Swallow Place in Cloudcroft.

Animal evacuation information

For those who have animals that need to be evacuated, a shelter for animals has been established at the Otero County Fairgrounds in Alamogordo.

An exclusive interview from the mayor of Cloudcroft was issued to AlamogordoTownNews.org with Anthony Lucero on streaming KALHradio.org 

https://youtu.be/zABTNBHoJd0?si=01LApbfZuAyx5Vb6

NM Fire Info: www.NMFireInfo.com

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmlnf-moser-fire-2024

You can expect another update mid-morning tomorrow, May 21, 2024 on streaming KALHradio.org 

More News from Alamogordo

• Lady Tigers Outlast Ruidoso in Five-Set Thriller Alamogordo closes the match on an 8-0 run to beat Ruidoso; Tularosa falls to Quemado.
• Alamogordo Invited to Welcome Home Veteran Larry Sanmann From Honor Flight Community asked to pack VFW Post 7686 Saturday night to greet the Vietnam veteran and 21-year Air Force jet engine mechanic.