Rio Rancho Fire Rescue diverted to fire near Grants on its way to Ruidoso

Rio Rancho Fire Rescue was one of many entities that responded to the two Ruidoso wildfires that have killed at least two people and damaged an estimated 1,400 structures.

On the way to the village, RRFR was diverted to a different fire in the El Malpais National Monument.

City of Rio Rancho Deputy Fire Chief James Bailey said the department sent a brush truck and four firefighters to Ruidoso at 4 a.m. Tuesday.

“While enroute, they were asked to divert to the Encerrita Fire in the El Malpais National Monument by NM State Forestry,” Bailey said. “This is an emerging incident started by a lightning strike that has grown to 1,541 acres and threatens the national monument area, including some historic homes and ranches.”

As of Wednesday night, 99 firefighters were on the scene at the 1,541-acre lightning-caused fire located in El Malpais National Monument, 15 miles south-southwest of Grants.

Weather is expected to remain hot and dry Thursday with increased winds over the fire ahead of a frontal passage that will bring precipitation to the region for the remainder of the week.