Three Rivers Fire remains 0% contained; some evacuations lifted

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 6,100-acre wildfire is burning in the Lincoln National Forest, near Three Rivers Campground between Tularosa and Carrizozo.

Fire officials said the fire, which is 0% contained, has reached the boundary of Ski Apache and also into the South Fork Bonito area.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the following evacuations have been lifted:

• Ski Run Road up to the Eagle Lakes turn
• Villa Madonna
• The Bonito corridor below the Bonito Lake dam (Tanbark will remain CLOSED as it is above the dam)
• Nogal Canyon Road up to the Nogal Peak trailhead

And all inhabited areas west of Highway 37 including:

• Loma Grande
• Cora Dutton Road
• Ranchman’s Camp
• Magado
• The Church Mountain area will also be OPEN

The Angus Church of Nazarene, the Capitan Senior Center, and the Ruidoso Downs Senior Center are all open for those being evacuated. The Lincoln County Fairgrounds is also open for those who need to evacuate with animals.

Crews planned on using a variety of tactics to suppress the fire Monday, however, all aircraft had to be grounded because of high winds. Tuesday morning brought rain and snow to some portions of the fire.

Officials say the fire hit the 2012 Little Bear Fire burn scar, which they hope slows the fire’s progress.

Crews are working on securing the south side of the fire, and scouting for potential fire lines on the east and northern sides of the fire. Evacuations are expected to stay in place through Tuesday night.

No injuries have been reported, and no structures have burned, according to fire officials. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.