It's been one year
since wildfires ravaged Ruidoso , leaving residents displaced and homes reduced to rubble. The blaze also claimed the lives of two people.
The South Fork and Salt Fires ignited in the area on June 17, 2024. Hundreds of fire personnel battled the flames for weeks. Shortly after the wildfires, runoff from storms rushed over burn scars and debris, transforming roads into rivers and causing even more devastation. Ruidoso Downs and Casino ended up moving its summer meet — which features the All-American Futurity, the world-top quarter horse racing championship — to Albuquerque because storm damage. Since then, tributes have been held for those who were lost, businesses have reopened, and the community continues to rebuild. The track has reopened as well. The Village of Ruidoso will come together
on Tuesday, June 17, for a remembrance event that will honor all who were impacted by the wildfires, recognize the courage of first responders, and celebrate the community's resilience. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at Wingfield Park, located at 300 Center St., and will feature remarks from officials, as well as food and music. Here's a look back at the wildfires.
South Fork, Salt Fire burns thousands of acres
The South Fork and Salt fires ignited on June 17, 2024, and together burned nearly 25,000 acres in the Lincoln Forest, according to a report released by the
Burned Area Emergency Response program. The South Fork fire burned over 17,000 acres of land. An investigation by wildland fire and law enforcement determined that
a lightning strike caused the South Fork Fire , while the Salt Fire was
human-caused. More than 1,400 structures were destroyed by the fires, including homes and businesses. Alto Ski Shop and Bar, a popular ski rental business that opened in 1981, shared a video of flames ripping through its building. "Alto Ski Shop with all their equipment, products, and the hard work of so many years, have been reduced to ashes and rubble. The loss is not just financial but deeply emotional,"
the business wrote on a GoFundMe page. The decades-old Swiss Chalet Hotel was also destroyed in the fire. A local, beloved musician who was staying at the hotel tried to escape and was killed,
a friend previously shared with the El Paso Times. Two deaths confirmed in wildfires
Two deaths were reported in the fires,
including Patrick Pearson , who was found dead on the side of the road near the Swiss Chalet Motel on June 19, 2024. He was found with several burns and died from his injuries, police said. Pearson was the first confirmed fatality linked to the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire. Pearson had one of the best country voices in the southwest, his bandmates said. The same day that Pearson was found, another person was found dead in the driver seat of a burned vehicle, and could not be immediately identified,
according to news affiliate, KRQE . It's unclear if the identity of that person was ever released.
Burn scars created flooding, more devastation
Rainfall transformed roads into rushing rivers in July 2024, leaving people trapped in homes and vehicles submerged.
The heavy rain also caused damage to the Ruidoso Downs Track , impacting races, which had to be moved to Albuquerque. The burn scars left behind by the South Fork and Salt Fire remain a danger today, especially
during this year's monsoon season , when the region receives the most rain. According to the National Weather Service, the monsoon is expected to have average rainfall in 2025; however, burn scars remain a significant issue. "Things are a little bit better up there compared to last year in terms of susceptibility to debris flow and runoffs, but still pretty susceptible area," said Zachary Aronson, with the National Weather Service. "We definitely keep a close eye with those burn scars. The village has released a real-time road conditions map,
RAIN (Ruidoso Alert Information Network) map , to inform the public about flooded roads.
Wildfire danger today
The Lincoln National Forest is currently under a
fire danger rating of “high". When the fire danger rating is “high,” wildfires are likely. Fires in heavy, continuous fuel, such as mature grassland, weed fields, and forest litter, will be difficult to control under windy conditions. The Lincoln National Forest is also under
"Stage 2" fire restrictions because of dry conditions and increased fire danger. The restrictions prohibit people from building campfires, smoking, using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at , @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
