U.S.
EPA is working with the Federal Environment Management Agency (FEMA), New
Mexico Environment Department, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management and regional and local agencies to address the Southfork and Salt
fires. EPA Region 6 activated emergency response personnel and contractors to
assist in water and waste management.
Combined,
the fires threatened over 7,000 homes and over 25,000 residents in and around
Ruidoso, Alto, and the Village of Ruidoso Downs. The South Fork Fire had
burned 17,500 acres of land, and the Salt Fire had burned 8,000 acres.
On
June 17, 2024, President Biden approved the State of New Mexico’s request for
Fire Management Assistance Declarations for the South Fork Fire and the Salt
Fire burning on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and in Otero and Lincoln
Counties.
The
White House approved a Major Disaster Declaration on June 20, 2024, for Lincoln
and Otero counties and Mescalero Apache Reservation.
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