Investigators believe a lightning strike caused the South Fork fire

RUIDOSO, NM – Wildfire and police investigators have determined the cause of the South Fork Fire was a lightning strike.

The fire was first reported on June 17 on the Mescalero Apache Reservation near Ruidoso. Despite a quick response from multiple agencies, the fire spread to over 6,000 acres within the first 24 hours due to strong winds.

As of Wednesday, the fire has reached 17,569 acres and is 87% contained.

The investigation was conducted by wildfire investigators and law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, Mescalero Conservation Law Enforcement Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Mexico State Parks and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The cause of the nearby Salt Fire remains under investigation. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for starting the Salt Fire. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or text an anonymous tip to “BIAMMU” (cell number 847411). Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.