6-25-2024 12:00am

Ruidoso Fires Update Tuesday 6-25-24: Postal Delivery Resumes, 29 People Still Missing

Chris Edwards Editor

The South Fork and Salt fires has affected over 25,000 acres and continue to pose significant risks. Over 1,100 personnel are working tirelessly to protect lives and property. Residents are urged to stay informed and cautious, especially with the potential for flooding and debris flows from incoming storms. The fires are burning on Mescalero Tribal, US Forest Service land, and areas around the Village of Ruidoso. Road closures are in effect.

Current as of June 24, 2024, at 10:15 p.m.

For those seeking reunification with friends and loved ones, call the Red Cross at : 1-800-733-2767

Containment:

South Fork – 54%;
Salt – 38%

Mayor Lynn Crawford said in a weekly radio program Monday that 29 people are unaccounted-for and as reported by NBC News.

Searchers were going into “exclusion zones," areas where homes have burned and which have been badly damaged, and were “looking for individuals,” Crawford said.

“That means there is so severe damage that there are the potential to have victims in there, that we’re looking for,” said Crawford, the mayor of the community of around 7,700. “We’re still looking for 29 people.”

Search-and-rescue teams are using dogs, and they are going “property to property,” he said.

Crawford said those who live in those exclusion zones and who may be among the 29 considered missing but are unaware of that fact are encouraged to call the emergency operations center "and just say you're checking in."

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced that the following post offices are now open for full operations after temporary closures due to the South Fork and Salt fires:

Alto Post Office

Address: 100 Sun Valley Road, Alto, NM 88312
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Hollywood Post Office

Address: 25959 US Highway 70, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ruidoso Post Office

Address: 1090 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ruidoso Downs Post Office

Address: 26336 US Highway 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The South Fork and Salt fires, which began on June 17, have burned over 25,000 acres, prompted evacuations, and impacted approximately 1,400 structures as of Monday, June 24.

The USPS stated that delivery services will resume "except for within burn areas as directed by local authorities." Customers residing in burn areas can pick up their mail at the respective post office by presenting a photo ID for verification.

Additional Resources:

Inciweb: South Fork and Salt Fire Information
Facebook: SWIMT5
Smoke Outlook: Smoke Outlook
Lincoln County Government: Lincoln County
Mescalero Apache Tribe: Mescalero Apache Tribe
Village of Ruidoso: South Fork Fire

For further assistance and information, please reach out via the provided contact details. Stay safe and informed as we continue to navigate this challenging time.