McBride Fire – Sunday, April 17, 2022 Daily Update

Acres: 6,159
Cause: Under investigation
Containment: 56%
Start Date: April 12, 2022
Location: Gavilan Canyon within the Village of Ruidoso
Fuels: Timber, brush, grasses
Structures burned: 207 primary structures, multiple
outbuildings
Personnel: 381 Fatalities: 2 citizens

Highlights: Yesterday, significant progress was made towards securing containment of the McBride fire. Due to a focused effort on constructing line in areas close to previously evacuated zones, containment is at 56%. Evacuations have been lifted in all but two of the zones.

Operations: 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.

Evacuations: Two areas remain under evacuation – Gavilan Canyon from Warrior Drive south to Hwy 70 (Zone 9) and Lower Eagle Creek (Zone 6). Crews are removing hazard trees and extinguishing remaining heat sources in both areas.

Evacuations were lifted for the following areas as of Saturday, April 16th: Gavilan Canyon from Warrior Drive north to HWY 48, Fawn Ridge, Homestead Acres, Rancho Ruidoso Valley Estates, Deer Valley, Deer Park, Alto Mesa Estates, Deer Creek Road, Cougar Lane, Woodwind Lane, Skyhawk Lane, Area east of Flute Player Way, Moon Mountain Area: High Loop, Lupin, Starlight, Old Lincoln, Nogal Place etc., East of Hull: McBride, Snowcap, Timberline, Fawn Ridge etc.

Safety: Please stay out of active fire areas to allow crews safe access to the fire. Continue to watch for animals that may have been released or escaped. Expect traffic congestion in areas where evacuations have been lifted. Slow down and keep headlights on as a safety precaution as crews are still working in and around residential areas.

Weather: Sunny, temperature: 70s, 6% humidity, winds NW 12 mph, gusts to 28 mph.

Restrictions/Closures: Please respect the restrictions and closures in place. Violations impede firefighter response and delay suppression activities. Fire vehicles and heavy equipment are traveling to and from restricted areas.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place: Wildfires are a NO Drone Zone. Flying recreational and media drones within a TFR is illegal and impedes fire suppression efforts. Report drones to local law enforcement. If You Fly, We Can’t!

Fire Information: Public 505-356-2636 Media 505-445-8278
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8061/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McBrideFire2022/
NM Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Email: 2022.mcbride@firenet.gov