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.

This article summarizes the BAER report on the South Fork and Salt fires, which started on June 17, 2024, and burned over 24,000 acres in Lincoln National Forest. The report assesses soil burn severity, hydrology, and critical values like human safety, roads, recreation, and cultural resources. Collaborative efforts with various agencies aim to mitigate post-fire risks and support recovery.

The South Fork Fire, caused by lightning before its detection on June 17, 2024, is under thorough investigation by multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the FBI. The detailed analysis involves evaluating lightning data and burn patterns. The Salt Fire's cause remains unknown. Public tips are encouraged via 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov. Full reports will be released when available.

The Village of Ruidoso has enacted Ordinance 2024-04, amending Chapter 86 of the Municipal Code to update water rates and utility regulations. Effective immediately, this ordinance introduces new rates for residential and commercial water use, addresses payment locations and delinquency procedures, and outlines penalties for unauthorized water use. These changes are based on a comprehensive study to ensure sustainable water management and cover increased utility operation costs. 

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.

Residents of Lincoln and Otero Counties, including the Mescalero Apache Tribe, affected by the South Fork and Salt fires, can apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits from July 10-12 and July 14-17, 2024. Eligible households will receive one month of benefits for groceries. Apply at designated locations or call 1-800-283-4465 for more information.

Residents and visitors in the Upper Canyon must evacuate immediately due to forecasted significant rainfall, flash flooding, debris flows, and landslides. An evacuation shelter is open at the White Mountain Relief Center, 687 Hull Road. Stay informed via 1490 AM KRUI. Report gas leaks to Zia Natural Gas at 800-520-4277 or 575-378-4277. Your safety is paramount.

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.

In response to the South Fork and Salt Fires, DOI and USFS BAER teams are working diligently to assess and mitigate post-fire risks. Efforts include hazard signage requests, structural assessments, cultural heritage preservation, and hydrological modeling for effective treatment plans.

As of July 4, 2024, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 concludes updates on the South Fork and Salt Fires, with containment at 87% and 84%, respectively. The transition of control to local agencies is set for July 7. Fire restrictions remain in place amid dry conditions, urging caution during Independence Day celebrations.

July 3, 2024: BAER teams continue assessing South Fork and Salt Fires' impacts. Soil Burn Severity maps reveal moderate to high damage across most areas. Efforts include flood risk modeling, barrier installation, and wildlife protection, with community engagement and resource access ongoing. Detailed updates available at Inciweb.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has made significant strides in its first operational week for the South Fork and Salt Fires. Assessments and geospatial products are now accessible, guiding urgent funding requests and precautionary measures to mitigate post-fire risks. Collaborative efforts with federal agencies and local stakeholders reinforce proactive strategies to safeguard communities from potential flooding and debris flows, ensuring ongoing protection and recovery. Stay informed at the Village of Ruidoso website for updates.

The Village of Ruidoso announces the opening of a new Business Recovery Center at Ruidoso Public Library on July 3 to aid local businesses affected by recent wildfires. Operated in collaboration with the Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience and state and local authorities, it offers crucial resources and support during standard library hours.

Join the vital town hall hosted by NM DHS & Emergency Management and the Mescalero Apache Tribe on July 2, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.. Stay informed about the South Fork and Salt Fires. Participate via Facebook Live or Zoom Webinar. Ask questions live during the event to get updates directly from officials and tribal representatives.