The South Fork Fire was a wildfire in New Mexico that burned 17,569 acres (7,110 ha) before being declared 99% contained as of July 15, 2024. The fire began on June 17 near the town of Ruidoso and grew very rapidly, surpassing 15,000 acres burned by the following day and destroying at least 1400 houses and structures. Investigators have stated that a lightning strike caused the fire.