The Village of Ruidoso says both the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire are more than 50% contained.The South Fork fire was 64% contained and the Salt fire was 55% contained.On Tuesday, 1,006 personnel were assigned to the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire.

The South Fork Fire, which has destroyed more than 17,000 acres near Ruidoso, New Mexico was caused by a lightning strike, authorities said.

Investigators announced on Wednesday that the South Fork Fire was started by a lightning strike. They said the point of origin for the fire along with evidence and data point to lightning as the cause.