The Ruidoso Fire Department advises fireplace safety this winter to avoid chimney fires, carbon monoxide risks, and burns. Key steps: schedule annual chimney cleanings, burn seasoned wood only, install smoke and CO detectors, and keep flammable items three feet away. Teach children fire safety and call 911 in emergencies. Follow these tips to enjoy a safe, cozy season.

Residents of Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Reservation affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding between June 17 and Aug. 20, 2024, have less than five days to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline is Oct. 19 to apply for FEMA aid or SBA low-interest disaster loans. Don’t wait—apply online, by phone, or visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Horton Complex in Ruidoso.

With wildland fires posing an increasing threat in our area, being prepared is more important than ever. Join a free Wildland Fire Preparedness session on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the ENMU-Ruidoso Campus. Learn from local fire experts about fire terminology, personal and community preparedness, and collaboration with fire agencies. For more details, contact Bequi Livingston at 505-263-0289.

Lincoln National Forest has increased its fire danger rating from “low” to “moderate” as of October 9, 2024. While fires can start easily from most causes, their spread in grasslands may be rapid, particularly on windy days. Visitors are urged to practice caution when using campfires. Fireworks remain prohibited. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln.

Free legal assistance is available to residents of southern New Mexico impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding from June 17 to Aug. 20, 2024. Funded by FEMA and provided by the ABA's Young Lawyers Division, Disaster Legal Services (DLS) helps with issues like insurance claims, home repair fraud, and FEMA appeals. DLS services are confidential and free for those in eligible counties.

Homeowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding may be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA and the SBA to repair or rebuild stronger homes. FEMA provides funds for mitigation measures like vent screens, non-combustible gutters, and elevating utilities. The SBA offers low-interest loans for home improvements to prevent future damage. Contact FEMA or SBA for more details.

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.

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.