Join us for a Recovery Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, August 28, at 7:00 P.M. at Ruidoso Middle School, 124 Warrior Dr, Ruidoso, NM. This event, featuring representatives from the Village of Ruidoso, FEMA, SBA, and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security, will provide information on assistance available for those affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, or flooding. A virtual option via Zoom is available. Details available via QR code.

Join the "Cabinet In Your Community" event in Ruidoso on September 21, 2024, at ENMU Ruidoso. This event offers a State Services Expo from 11 AM to 4 PM, providing enrollment assistance for Medicaid, childcare, and more. A Community Town Hall from 1 PM to 4 PM will feature discussions with Cabinet Secretaries on local issues. Don't miss this chance to engage with state officials and access essential resources.

Residents affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding in New Mexico can receive FEMA assistance for damaged private wells and septic systems. FEMA has extended workshops on home repairs through Aug. 24 at Village Ace Hardware in Ruidoso. Over $5.6 million in assistance and $8.72 million in SBA loans have been approved. The deadline to apply for FEMA aid is now Oct. 19, 2024.

FEMA has extended the deadline to apply for disaster assistance related to the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding to October 19. Workshops in Ruidoso providing home repair tips have been extended through August 24. To date, FEMA has approved over $5.59 million in assistance, and the SBA has approved more than $8.65 million in disaster loans. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more details.

The FEMA Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program begins tomorrow in Ruidoso, focusing on removing fire debris from properties affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Contractors will start clearing your property if you've signed up and submitted your Right of Entry (ROE) form. The deadline to participate is August 19, 2024. For assistance, visit the Horton Complex at 237 Service Road or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

The SBA has approved over $6 million in disaster loans for New Mexico residents and businesses affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and flooding. Assistance is available for the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, and San Juan counties. The deadline to apply for property damage is August 19, 2024, and for economic injury is March 20, 2025. Apply at SBA.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955.

Ruidoso's Parks and Recreation Department has renovated the tennis courts at School House Park, which are now open and free to use. A new playground is also being installed. Funded by a grant, these enhancements have been in progress for months. Windscreens for the courts are on order and will be installed soon. These upgrades aim to improve recreational options for the community.

Thirty days after President Biden's disaster declaration for the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding, FEMA and SBA have approved over $6 million in federal aid. This includes more than $3 million in FEMA housing and personal property grants and $3 million in SBA disaster loans. Applications for assistance are available online, by phone, or in person. The deadline is August 19, 2024.

Renters and homeowners in Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, and San Juan counties or on the Mescalero Apache Reservation whose homes are uninhabitable or inaccessible due to the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding may qualify for FEMA rental assistance. Grants cover rent and essential utilities, excluding cable TV and internet. Apply by Aug. 19, 2024, via disasterassistance.gov, the FEMA app, the FEMA Helpline, or a Disaster Recovery Center.

The Village of Ruidoso Community Development Department is transitioning all permits to a new online platform to simplify the process for customers. Business License Registration, Garage Sale, and Banner Permits are available online, and all permits will follow soon. Residents are encouraged to set up their portal log-in using the provided instructions to ensure seamless access as the system is fully implemented. Stay tuned for further updates.

In the wake of the South Fork and Salt fires and flooding, Ruidoso continues to recover with FEMA's support. FEMA has approved over $2.4 million for affected homeowners and renters. Key details include safety precautions, FEMA application steps, and fraud prevention tips. Disaster Recovery Centers in Ruidoso and Mescalero Apache School are open to assist. Stay informed on recovery efforts and resources to support your rebuilding journey.

PNM extends support to residents affected by the South Fork and Salt wildfires, emphasizing Ruidoso's resilient spirit. They are committed to keeping the community informed about power restoration efforts and providing essential resources. For updates, visit PNM.com/RuidosoRestoration or follow @PNMelectric on Facebook. Residents can translate this information using the translation tab in the bottom right-hand corner of the webpage.

Investigators confirm lightning caused the South Fork Fire near Ruidoso, now 87% contained after consuming 17,569 acres. Meanwhile, the cause of the nearby Salt Fire remains under FBI investigation, with a $10,000 reward for information leading to those responsible. Stay informed with @BIA.Mescalero.Forestry.Fire.

The SBA and New Mexico Small Business Development Center have opened a Business Recovery Center in Ruidoso to assist businesses impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Located at the Ruidoso Public Library, it offers free services, including loan assistance and business advice. Businesses can apply for property damage assistance by August 19, 2024, and economic injury assistance by March 20, 2025.

The IRS and New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department offer extended filing deadlines and payment relief for individuals and businesses affected by recent wildfires and flooding in southern New Mexico. Eligible taxpayers in designated disaster areas have until November 1, 2024, to file federal returns and until July 25, 2024, for state returns. Visit IRS.gov and tax.newmexico.gov for details.

Amid ongoing fire containment efforts, crews support flood mitigation with over 46,000 sandbags filled. Fireworks remain prohibited on Lincoln National Forest and restricted to organized events on Mescalero Apache lands. Dry conditions persist despite scattered rain forecasts, urging caution as suppression repairs continue. Stay updated on closures and restrictions for safety.

Amid ongoing firefighting efforts, crews have filled 18,000 sandbags to prevent flooding risks from the South Fork and Salt fires. With favorable weather aiding operations, containment stands at 85% for South Fork and 84% for Salt as teams assess over 4,000 structures. Stay informed of updates and safety measures.

Ruidoso Visitor Update - July 8, 2024: We are pleased to announce that Ruidoso is open and welcoming visitors. While we continue to recover from the South Fork and Salt fires, most of our attractions, shops, restaurants, and accommodations are available for your enjoyment. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore our community. Stay informed and enjoy your visit!

The Village of Ruidoso announces the indefinite closure of Alto Lake following extensive damages from the South Fork Fire. The fire has compromised trails, recreational facilities, and the lake’s ecosystem, posing significant safety risks. Restoration efforts are underway. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated during this challenging time.

As the South Fork and Salt fires near containment, more areas in Ruidoso are reopening. Residents and visitors should exercise caution as emergency personnel and utility workers restore services. Key updates include the closure of Mescalero evacuation sites by June 30, limited fire activity due to recent storms, and continuing smoke impacts. Visit official websites for detailed information and safety guidelines.