Fire Information and Activity In the Eagle Creek and Gavilan closure areas, fire crews are mopping up and identifying and removing hazard trees. They are working to cool burning stump-holes and other heat sources in a concentrated effort to prepare for lifting the remaining evacuations. Currently, both the gas and power companies are working in the Gavilan area to ensure utilities are working before home owners can safely return. Firefighters will work all along the fire perimeter with a focus of securing the rugged, western edge of the fire. They are locating heat sources and scouting to tie in pieces of fire line. Due to diminishing winds, low fire activity is expected today. However, those in the surrounding area may see smoke as fire moves through unburned vegetation. These smokes are well within the interior of the fire and are not a threat to the fire line at this time. As fire activity decreases, resources are being made available for initial attach in the surrounding area should a new fire occur. Helicopters are available to assist ground crews for water drops to cool hot spots. FatalitiesAn elderly couple is dead after the McBride fire burned their home in Ruidoso.New Mexico State Police say firefighters responded to a house fire at 569 Gavilan Canyon Road in Ruidoso on Tuesday afternoon. Later that evening, the Ruidoso Police Department received information about an older couple who attempted to evacuate the McBride fire and were unaccounted for by family members.On Wednesday, Ruidoso police, state police and fire crews located the remains of two individuals at the Gavilan Canyon Road residence. EvacuationsAll evacuations have been lifted. Water AdvisoryThe New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Health have issued a precautionary water advisory for the following areas of Lincoln County:Canyon Hideaway and EscapeLa Vida BuenaR&R RV ParkThe state environment department says significant damage to the infrastructure caused by the McBride Fire prompted the advisory. State officials say those who get their water from the public water systems listed above should seek alternate sources of water for the protection of public health.The New Mexico Environment Department also recommends those who own a well in the area to take these steps once it is safe to do so:Step 1: Well inspection and repair – check for damage to well components, including electrical systems and remove debris.Step 2: Flush the well until the water runs clear (approximately 30 minutes to one hour) and check water pressure. This may best be done by a well contractor.Step 3: Test your well water for Coliform bacteria including E. coli, nitrate, other contaminants of concern.Step 4: Disinfect your well if water tests positive for bacteria (E. coli) or repairs were done. This may best be done by a well contractor.Road ClosuresRoad closures are in place at Gavilan Canyon from Meander to Hull Road, Warrior from Hull to Gavilan and Roads East of Hull from Warrior to Gavilan Canyon. Power OutagesPNM has cut power to areas of Ruidoso due to the fire. Crews are making repairs to equipment damaged by strong winds and fire. Power poles, lines and other equipment needs to be replaced or repaired. Power is being restored in phases. About 10,000 PNM customers remain without power. Water IssuesThe Village of Ruidoso is asking residents to conserve water at this time. Due to power outages in the area, water production efforts are limited. The village warns parts of town may experience loss of pressure or total outages as crews work to fight the fire. School ClosuresRuidoso Schools will be closed through April 14 due to the fire. Ruidoso Municipal Schools expects schools to open up on April 19. Fire InformationSize: 6,159 acresContainment: 56% Cause: Unknown, Under InvestigationDate/Time Detected: April 12, 2022, 2:45Location: Ruidoso, NM Fuel Type: Grasses, timberStructures: Multiple structures lost including homes in Ruidoso. Stay with KOAT.com for the latest information.

RUIDOSO, N.M. —

Fire Information and Activity

In the Eagle Creek and Gavilan closure areas, fire crews are mopping up and identifying and removing hazard trees. They are working to cool burning stump-holes and other heat sources in a concentrated effort to prepare for lifting the remaining evacuations. Currently, both the gas and power companies are working in the Gavilan area to ensure utilities are working before home owners can safely return. Firefighters will work all along the fire perimeter with a focus of securing the rugged, western edge of the fire. They are locating heat sources and scouting to tie in pieces of fire line. Due to diminishing winds, low fire activity is expected today. However, those in the surrounding area may see smoke as fire moves through unburned vegetation. These smokes are well within the interior of the fire and are not a threat to the fire line at this time. As fire activity decreases, resources are being made available for initial attach in the surrounding area should a new fire occur. Helicopters are available to assist ground crews for water drops to cool hot spots.

Fatalities

An elderly couple is dead after the McBride fire burned their home in Ruidoso.

New Mexico State Police say firefighters responded to a house fire at 569 Gavilan Canyon Road in Ruidoso on Tuesday afternoon. Later that evening, the Ruidoso Police Department received information about an older couple who attempted to evacuate the McBride fire and were unaccounted for by family members.

On Wednesday, Ruidoso police, state police and fire crews located the remains of two individuals at the Gavilan Canyon Road residence.

Evacuations

All evacuations have been lifted.

Water Advisory

The New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Health have issued a precautionary water advisory for the following areas of Lincoln County:

• Canyon Hideaway and Escape
• La Vida Buena
• R&R RV Park

The state environment department says significant damage to the infrastructure caused by the McBride Fire prompted the advisory. State officials say those who get their water from the public water systems listed above should seek alternate sources of water for the protection of public health.

The New Mexico Environment Department also recommends those who own a well in the area to take these steps once it is safe to do so:

• Step 1: Well inspection and repair – check for damage to well components, including electrical systems and remove debris.
• Step 2: Flush the well until the water runs clear (approximately 30 minutes to one hour) and check water pressure. This may best be done by a well contractor.
• Step 3: Test your well water for Coliform bacteria including E. coli, nitrate, other contaminants of concern.
• Step 4: Disinfect your well if water tests positive for bacteria (E. coli) or repairs were done. This may best be done by a well contractor.

Road Closures

Road closures are in place at Gavilan Canyon from Meander to Hull Road, Warrior from Hull to Gavilan and Roads East of Hull from Warrior to Gavilan Canyon.

Power Outages

PNM has cut power to areas of Ruidoso due to the fire. Crews are making repairs to equipment damaged by strong winds and fire. Power poles, lines and other equipment needs to be replaced or repaired.

Power is being restored in phases. About 10,000 PNM customers remain without power.

Water Issues

The Village of Ruidoso is asking residents to conserve water at this time. Due to power outages in the area, water production efforts are limited. The village warns parts of town may experience loss of pressure or total outages as crews work to fight the fire.

School Closures

Ruidoso Schools will be closed through April 14 due to the fire. Ruidoso Municipal Schools expects schools to open up on April 19.

Fire Information

Size: 6,159 acres

Containment: 56%

Cause: Unknown, Under Investigation

Date/Time Detected: April 12, 2022, 2:45

Location: Ruidoso, NM

Fuel Type: Grasses, timber

Structures: Multiple structures lost including homes in Ruidoso.

Stay with KOAT.com for the latest information.

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