Ruidoso is well aware of its vulnerability to various natural disasters, such as forest fires, flash floods, and severe storms. In response, our Village has been actively working to strengthen our resilience against these potential threats. Learn more about the ways we're doing it.

Prescribed burns on the Smokey Bear Ranger District in the Lincoln National Forest will tentatively begin on September 11 and continue through September 22, 2023. Work will take place on the Brazel Push, the Smokey Bear Admin site, and the Jack’s Peak East unit. Operations will cease or be canceled on short notice if it is determined that conditions are not optimal.

UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2023: Thank you to those who provided comments submitted in July through the feedback survey. Based on your input, the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) will be a more useful tool for all six participating communities. The Planning Team vetted the comments, integrated changes into the draft, and finalized the document with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to Eric Queller. Village of Ruidoso Emergency Manager. at EricQueller@ruidoso-nm.gov or 575-973-8963. 

At approximately 5:00 AM on August 31, 2023, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Ruidoso Police Department, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Willie Horton Drive. The warrant was executed as part of an ongoing investigation into the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. Sights were set on the Bandidos given the organization’s continued participation in murders, shootings, extortion, and other violent acts. The operation focused on 25 members within New Mexico chapters who appeared to be the most criminally active and loudest voices advocating for continued violence.

Now, more than ever, local news matters. Vol. 25: SEPTEMBER 2023: This issue of the Village of Ruidoso Insider newsletter covers municipal news and events, bringing information about the people, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and local government decisions and projects important to the Ruidoso community.

The Lincoln National Forest has reduced the fire danger rating from “moderate” to “low” effective August 31, 2023. The lowered rating applies to Smokey Bear, Sacramento, and Guadalupe Ranger Districts. As always, it is important that visitors are aware of the risks and take the proper precautions. Unattended or improperly extinguished campfires are a major contributor to wildfire incidents.

Crews from the Smokey Bear Ranger District are finishing work on the West Mountain Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire that began on August 3, 2023. The completed work is part of long-term goals in forest land management and wildfire mitigation efforts in the Lincoln National Forest. This is the final update on the West Mountain Fire unless there are any breaking developments.

Now, more than ever, local news matters. Vol. 24: AUGUST 2023: This issue of the Village of Ruidoso Insider newsletter covers municipal news and events, bringing information about the people, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and local government decisions and projects important to the Ruidoso community.

The Village of Ruidoso returns to Level 1 fire restrictions effective immediately on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Fire danger ratings and regulations are subject to weather and climate conditions. The Village of Ruidoso will notify the public immediately of any changes. Learn more about the current protections in place.

Lincoln National Forest has lifted Stage 1 Restrictions effective July 12, 2023, for all three districts in the Forest. The fire danger rating has also been reduced from “very high” to “high” for all three districts. However, visitors must be aware of the risks and take the proper precautions. Unattended or improperly extinguished campfires are a major contributor to wildfire incidents.

Prescribed burns on the Sacramento Ranger District are tentatively scheduled to take place Wednesday, July 12, through Saturday, July 15, 2023. These burns are part of an ongoing schedule to clear fuels and mitigate wildfire risks. Residents and visitors in the vicinity of the burn can expect smoky conditions during and in the days following the event. Crews will be on the scene during and after the prescribed burn to monitor conditions and mitigate the threat of any spread.

UPDATE, JULY 10, 2023: Thank you to those who provided comments by the July 9, 2023, deadline. The Planning Team will consider the feedback and modify the Draft Plan as they deem appropriate. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to Eric Queller, Village of Ruidoso Emergency Manager, at EricQueller@ruidoso-nm.gov or 575-973-8963.

The statewide portion of the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT), the taxes that businesses pay on the goods they sell, dropped to 4.875% effective July 1, 2023, resulting in changes to the overall rates across New Mexico. The rate drop is the result of legislation enacted in 2022 to benefit businesses and shoppers across New Mexico.

Now, more than ever, local news matters. Vol. 23: JULY 2023: This issue of the Village of Ruidoso Insider newsletter covers municipal news and events, bringing information about the people, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and local government decisions and projects important to the Ruidoso community.

Stage 1 Restrictions to be enforced effective June 28. The Lincoln National Forest has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restriction as dry weather and heightened fire danger risk continues. Learn what is prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

View, download, and listen to the Lincoln County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan June 27, 2023, Community Presentation.

UPDATE, JULY 10, 2023: Thank you to those who provided comments by the July 9, 2023, deadline. The Planning Team will consider the feedback and modify the Draft Plan as they deem appropriate. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to Eric Queller, Village of Ruidoso Emergency Manager, at EricQueller@ruidoso-nm.gov or 575-973-8963.

The Lincoln National Forest has increased the fire danger rating from “moderate” to “high,” effective June 22, 2023. The measure is part of ongoing efforts to mitigate wildfire risk in the area. These precautions are essential in preventing wildfires.

UPDATE, JULY 10, 2023: Thank you to those who participated in the June 27, 2023, community meeting at the Ruidoso Convention Center. regarding the Lincoln County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2023 Update process. The Planning Team will consider the feedback and modify the Draft Plan as they deem appropriate. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to Eric Queller, Village of Ruidoso Emergency Manager, at EricQueller@ruidoso-nm.gov or 575-973-8963.

The Village of Ruidoso will host two public input meetings on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 5:30 PM and Friday, June 9, 2023, at 9:00 AM to seek public input for the 2025-2029 Village of Ruidoso Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). The meetings will be held via Zoom and in person at the Ruidoso Community Center, 134 Reese Drive, Ruidoso, NM. Residents are encouraged to participate.