Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford has issued Executive Order 2024-01 to support recovery efforts after the South Fork and Salt Fires and subsequent floods. The order waives all permitting and installation fees for rebuilding destroyed properties, helping to alleviate financial strain on affected property owners and encouraging the community’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The Village of Ruidoso has introduced a Disaster Recovery Dashboard to aid those affected by the South Fork and Salt fires and floods. This online platform offers real-time updates on recovery efforts, including infrastructure restoration, rebuilding guidelines, and available resources. It serves as a centralized hub for essential information to support community recovery.

As summer ends, Mayor Crawford reflects on the community's resilience through recent wildfires and floods. The Village of Ruidoso is focused on bridge and road repairs, debris removal, and ongoing recovery efforts. The State has allocated $100 million for fire and flood recovery while enhanced insurance protections support affected residents. The Village continues to rally together with upcoming events, new medical providers, and various community programs emphasizing cooperation and rebuilding.

The Village of Ruidoso has been selected to host the 2025 New Mexico Municipal League Annual Conference at the Ruidoso Convention Center for September 9-12, 2025. Announced during the 67th NMML Conference in Clovis, this event will feature workshops, networking, and community support projects. The 2024 conference highlighted Clovis’s community spirit, featuring keynotes and hands-on volunteer work.

Lincoln National Forest has lowered the fire danger rating to 'low' on all districts due to improved conditions, lifting most fire restrictions. Some closures remain on the Smokey Bear Ranger District after the South Fork Fire. With Labor Day approaching, practice fire safety and be aware of flash floods near burn scars. Offices will close on September 2 for Labor Day.

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.

FEMA extended the deadline to apply for disaster assistance to October 19, 2024, for residents affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding in New Mexico. Eligible counties include Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, San Juan, and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Applications can be made online, via the FEMA app, by phone, or at Disaster Recovery Centers. SBA loan applications are also due by October 19.

The SBA New Mexico District Office is hosting a series of free disaster recovery webinars in English and Spanish to support those affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and flooding. These sessions will provide essential information and resources from the SBA, FEMA, and other agencies. Deadlines for disaster assistance applications are approaching, with key dates including August 19 and September 9, 2024.

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 New Mexico Environment Department lifted the precautionary water advisory for Ruidoso's Water System on August 5, 2024, marking a recovery milestone after the South Fork and Salt Fires. Initially issued on June 18, 2024, the advisory's removal reflects collaboration between NMED and Ruidoso. Other affected systems, such as Tall Pines and Cedar Creek, remain under advisory. Contact NMED for more information.

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.

Following the South Fork and Salt Fires, FEMA advises New Mexicans to beware of scammers posing as disaster relief workers. Genuine FEMA staff will not charge fees, ask for confidential information, or claim to have a "seal of approval" for contractors. Always verify identification and report suspicious activities to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

In response to the South Fork and Salt Fires, DHSEM offers free debris removal for impacted Lincoln County residents. Choose full-service or curbside pickup. Insurance doesn't disqualify; notify DHSEM if insurance covers debris removal. Register in person or online with a Right of Entry Form.

Last month brought significant challenges to Ruidoso due to the South Fork and Salt fires and subsequent flooding. The Village Council made crucial decisions, including agreements with the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce and Midtown Association and amendments to utility regulations. FEMA and local centers provided disaster assistance, while the Lincoln County Medical Center managed patient care amid evacuations. Community resilience shone through events like the Sierra Blanca Shooters' state win and School House Park upgrades. Rebuilding efforts continue, with support for local businesses and a planned benefit relief concert at Brewdoso 2024.

If you disagree with FEMA's disaster assistance decision, you can appeal within 60 days. Appeals are reviewed within 90 days, and you may need to provide additional information. Submit appeals online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by mail, fax, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. For detailed guidance, visit FEMA's official site or contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed House Bill 1, allocating $100 million for recovery from the South Fork and Salt fires and ongoing flooding. The funds include $10 million each for the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Energy Department, and Homeland Security, and $70 million in loans for local infrastructure projects. Residents can apply for FEMA assistance online, by phone, or at designated resource centers.

The U.S. Forest Service has issued an Area Closure Order for parts of the Smokey Bear Ranger District in Lincoln National Forest, effective July 29 to November 1, 2024, due to public health and safety concerns from recent wildfires and potential flooding. The order prohibits public access to specified lands, roads, and trails. Exemptions apply to certain permit holders and officials. For details, visit Lincoln National Forest Alerts.