Credit Lincoln National Forest - Three Rivers Fire
The Three Rivers Fire fire saw no growth yesterday or today and remains at 12,000 acres. The 12,000 acres includes hot spots that are separate from the main burned area.
Widespread scattered precipitation yesterday and last night has kept fire spread minimal. Increased moisture and humidity have slowed spread through grasses; dead and downed fuel is currently smoldering. Fire activity is expected to increase later in the day and wind direction is expected to shift, blowing the fire back onto already burned areas.
The fire will become more active again as warmer weather returns Saturday. Today crews will continue to scout and construct line along the southern perimeter and assess and plan for structural protection at Ski Apache, Lookout Mountain, other infrastructure and residences northeast of the fire perimeter, should it be required in the future.
A fire burning near Ruidoso has grown from 30 acres this morning to 4,000 acres by 4 p.m. Monday.The Three Rivers Fire is burning on the backside of the White Mountains of the Smokey Bear Ranger District between Tularosa and Carrizozo. Forest Service Manager David Bales tells KOAT the fire is spreading up the mountain. Wind gusts in the area are helping fuel the burn as 60 miles per hour gusts were reported in the area just after 3 p.m. Mandatory evacuations are ordered for the areas of Nogal Canyon, Bonito Canyon, Ski Apache, Tanbark Canyon, Church Street, Ranchman’s Camp, Loma Grande, Forest Road 127A-1834 Gate, Cora Dutton, and Magado Creek. Several evacuation centers have been opened up for residents in the area. Those evacuations centers include: Nazarean Church Camp in Alto, NM, Capitan Senior Center in Capitan, NM, and the Ruidoso Downs Senior Center at 393 Highway 70 West Rd. in Ruidoso Downs, NM. There are several road closures in the area due to the fire: Ski Run Ro