5-24-2024 8:23am

Fire Advisory, High Winds Advisory, Lincoln National Forest and Carlsbad Caverns

Chris Edwards Editor

Unprecedented dry conditions exist in Southern New Mexico, with high winds expected Memorial Day weekend as a result people are asked not to host campfires when possible and to avoid any activities that could spark a forest fire.

The National Weather Service reports a combination of strong winds, dry air and warm temperatures pose an "extreme fire" threat for New Mexico this Memorial Day weekend.

The National Weather Service issued warnings for "critical-to-extreme fire weather conditions" across the Land of Enchantment through to Saturday, urging residents and visitors to exercise caution to prevent wildfires, during a holiday weekend traditionally associated with outdoor activities and celebrations.

Windier weather returned to New Mexico on Thursday, with west and southwest winds gusting between 25 to 40 mph. The fire danger will be lowest on Friday, and the peak of the fire danger is expected on Saturday, with the strongest winds developing in the afternoon.

Red Flag Warning issued May 24 at 2:41AM MDT until May 25 at 10:00PM MDT by NWS El Paso Tx/Santa Teresa NM

CRITICAL TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER EXPECTED SATURDAY...

Increasing mid level flow in response to the subtropical jet streak will generate a large-scale surface trough across much of New Mexico and west Texas on Saturday. Southwest winds increasing during the late morning hours and remaining gusty throughout the day will combine with very low humidity and ongoing drought conditions to cause high fire danger. The highest risk for new fire starts will be in Lincoln National Forest and the Guadalupe Range where above normal fuel dryness and strong winds will lead to Extreme fire risk. Any fires that develop will spread quickly through forested and dense brush areas.”

There are presently 2 wildfires battles ongoing with aggressive work to containment near Ruidoso with the Blue Fire and outside Cloudcroft with the Moser fire. All evacuations were lifted but caution is required.

The Blue Fire does have a limited closure order includes portions of the 107 Road on forest lands, including 107C, the South Fork Campground, and portions of 107 that are west of 107C. These measures are in place to protect the safety of firefighting personnel and the public.

Road Closures:

107 on forest land

Area Closures:

Part of White Mountain Wilderness Area. For more details, see the closure update link.

The Moser Fire near Cloudcroft has increased to 65% containment and remains at 96 acres. Crews continue to monitor lines and look for hot spots and ensure the fire line is secure. Fire is continuing to smolder and creep within containment lines, but no new growth is present at this time.

The villages of Cloudcroft and Ruidoso are open and welcoming visitors this weekend!

Nearby Carlsbad Caverns is also experiencing unprecedented dry conditions and has issued a fire advisory.

Due to high to extreme fire danger, Carlsbad Caverns National Park will implement the following preventative measures beginning on May 23:

Fire, charcoal, and propane grills are prohibited
Smoking is prohibited, except inside personal vehicles
Open flames and cooking stoves are prohibited in the backcountry

The increased fire danger is due to prolonged hot, dry, and windy weather. These factors result in extremely dry vegetation that is highly susceptible to even the smallest spark.

These measures will be in effect until the fire danger subsides. Please visit http://www.nps.gov/cave for more information.

Stay turned to streaming KALHRadio.org and AlamogordoTownNews.org for the latest in community information and updates. Have a safe and fun weekend this Memorial Day 2024!