RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – All areas in the Lincoln National Forest shut down during the South Fork Fire are now open. The Forest Service rescinded its closure order on Friday within the Smokey Bear Ranger District.
Earlier this summer, the South Fork Fire burned 17,000 acres and destroyed 1,400 structures near Ruidoso, many of them homes. Flash flooding then followed. The Forest Service is urging visitors to remain on the alert for changing weather conditions. They said flooding on the burn scars can come quickly.