⚡ Officials find lightning strike caused South Fork Fire

MESCALERO, N.M. —

The South Fork Fire was found to be caused by lightning, according to state and federal wildland fire and law enforcement investigators.

The decision was made after the fire point of origin, evidence and data supported the cause being a lightning strike. The fire caused more than 17,000 acres to be burned and is 87% contained as of Wednesday, July 3.

The agencies and departments involved in the investigation include: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. 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 fire was first reported on Monday, June 17, ion the Mescalero Apache Reservations near the Village of Ruidoso. It resulted in two deaths and about 1,400 buildings being destroyed