The New Mexico Association of REALTORS® has secured a $500,000 grant from the REALTORS® Relief Foundation to assist residents impacted by the South Fork and Salt Wildfires. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,500 per household for mortgage, rental, or hotel expenses. Applications are open until August 23, 2024. Visit the NM REALTOR® website for details and to apply for assistance.

The Village of Ruidoso provides crucial updates for employers regarding Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax rates post-disaster. Contributory employers won't see charges for disaster-related benefits, while reimbursable employers are only charged for Standard UI claims. Employers can review rates, report refusal of work, and seek assistance via NMDWS. Visit www.dws.state.nm.us or call 1-877-664-6984 for details.

The Village of Ruidoso invites residents to a Town Hall meeting on August 6, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 313 Cree Meadows Drive to gather public input for the FY 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Attend to help prioritize and update the Village’s capital projects over the next five years. Your participation is crucial!

A Ruidoso Rising Community Distribution Event will take place on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gateway Community Church, 415 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM. This event aims to provide essential supplies to residents in need, offering vital resources to support individuals and families during challenging times. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies are limited. Together, we rise stronger.

The state of New Mexico and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) on Tuesday, July 23, at 9 am to help those affected by recent wildfires and flooding. The DRC will be at Angus Church of the Nazarene in Lincoln County, and the MDRC will be at the Aztec Fire Station in San Juan County. Both centers operate Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm, and are closed Sundays.

The New Mexico Department of Health highlights hazards in fire debris post-South Fork and Salt fires, including asbestos and heavy metals. Property owners can use the State’s Full-Service Debris Removal Program or the Opt-Out Program, requiring specific forms and adherence to cleanup standards. Proper disposal methods and protective measures are crucial to minimize health risks, especially from substances like asbestos and cadmium.

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.

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.