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2024 New Mexico South Fork and Salt Fires

 

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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