Community Chat

[Puppy Lips]

Terrifying for sure. About 12 years ago the house almost directly behind us caught on fire due to lightning. It burnt to the ground. Our house was in no danger, but I could not believe how HOT it was and how scary it was to watch. I would have a real hard time deciding what to take. I am way too STUFF oriented. Prayers to all in this horrible situation.

[PamfromCT]

I am heartbroken for your loss,  but so relieved and happy that you have reached your safe place.  There just no words to convey all the worry about you.    May all these brave firefighters survive without harm.  Sending hugs to you.

[On It]

Update June 18, 9:00 pm Mountain Time.

1,400 structures lost.

[Jk9]

So glad you are safe @On It .  Fire is very scary to me (I live back in the woods in a rural area).   That so many fires are started intentionally makes me very angry and sad.  I hope your home and town escape destruction.  You are so gracious to keep us posted.  

[On It]

One person is deceased in the South Fork fire.

A second wildfire, the Salt Fire, is racing towards Ruidoso Downs (a village adjacent to Ruidoso.) They are evacuating. The Humane Society Shelter is located there and is in the path of this fire. Staff and volunteers are evacuating the crowded facility which had taken Ruidoso evacuees pets on a temporary basis.

The two large evacuation centers in Roswell are allowing dogs on a leash. 

The Salt Fire is the fire that blocked Highway 70 as an escape route south out of Ruidoso. Hwy 70 is a major transportation route to Alamogordo, El Paso, Las Cruces and Interstate 10. When we were evacuating, we saw several 18-wheelers parked along the highway in Roswell with caution lights flashing. I suppose they were waiting for rerouting instructions from dispatchers.

The area is surrounded by the South Fork fire on the North and the Salt Fire on the South side. The Salt Fire could block the only escape route from the two villages if it moves through the valley and impacts the highway towards Roswell.

[dancingwoman]

@On It  That's terrible for the loss of life.  I've been following the fires on the Albuquerque news sites.  

Last night we could smell the smoke here in SW Colorado, and during the day smoke was in our skies hiding the mountains.  

Glad you are safe.  DW

[On It]

This is Innsbrook Village. It is a group of condos and townhouses built around an 18 hole par 3 course. They are across the street from the Smokey Bear Ranger District. The fire is extremely close to the back of the Ranger offices and Hwy 48. The quarters for the Smokey Bear Hotshots are behind the main offices. 

[On It]

More National Guard troops are arriving. I watched 8 or 9 drive past the Midtown camera. The smoke from the South Fork fire can be seen on the mountains. As you travel up this street, the altitude increases.

[shoesnbags]

Thanks for keeping us posted @On It . Our hearts are with you!

[On It]

Sadly, a second death has been confirmed in the South Fork fire.

Rain fell this afternoon over the burn scars from previous fire damage. A Flash Flood warning was issued. They expect debris and a significant amount of runoff.

Areas that were being threatened by the Northern edge of the approaching fire received much needed rain. An acquaintance of ours said he received about an inch, but he is north of the South Fork Fire. Anywhere that gets rain desperately needs it and deserves it.

The planes stopped flying due to the severe weather. The winds were very strong. We had a warned Severe Thunderstorm. Very good changes of rain are forecast for this weekend.