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.
Read MoreFEMA Offers Free Rebuilding and Insurance Advice at Walgreens in Ruidoso Oct. 15 - 19, 2024
From Oct. 15-19, FEMA specialists will be at Walgreens in Ruidoso, providing free advice on repairing and rebuilding homes affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires and floods. Residents can learn disaster mitigation tips, such as elevating electrical systems and securing fuel tanks, as well as get flood insurance guidance from FEMA’s NFIP experts. Sessions run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Read MoreFEMA Disaster Aid Deadline for New Mexico Residents Approaching on October 19, 2024
New Mexico residents impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding have until October 19, 2024, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Homeowners and renters in affected counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation can receive grants that don't need to be repaid. Apply online, via the FEMA app, by phone, or in person at the Ruidoso Disaster Recovery Center before the deadline.
Read MoreGet Repair, Rebuilding, and Flood Insurance Advice at the Village of Ruidoso Community Center
From October 9-12, residents affected by the recent fires and floods can receive expert advice at the Village of Ruidoso Community Center. FEMA specialists will provide guidance on repairs, rebuilding, and flood insurance. Don’t miss this opportunity to get valuable support and resources for your recovery efforts.
Read MoreForest Service Announces Temporary Area Closure in Smokey Bear Ranger District for Restoration Work Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, 2024
The U.S. Forest Service has announced a temporary closure in the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, 2024, to ensure public safety during restoration efforts following the South Fork Fire. The closure allows for aerial seeding and mulching to restore fire-damaged lands. Entry into the area, roads, and trails is prohibited. Violators may face fines or imprisonment.
Read MoreSBA to Close Its Business Recovery Center in Ruidoso on October 2, 2024
The SBA will close its Ruidoso Business Recovery Center on Oct. 2, 2024. Located at the Ruidoso Public Library, it assisted businesses affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and flooding. SBA representatives will still be available at the Horton Complex Disaster Recovery Center. The deadline for property damage loan applications is Oct. 19, 2024, and for economic injury, March 20, 2025.
Read MoreBright Harbor Brings Free Disaster Relief Services to Ruidoso This Week
Bright Harbor will be in Ruidoso this week, offering free disaster recovery services for residents affected by recent disasters. Representatives will be available at Albertsons on September 26 and 27, 2024, from 11 am to 6 pm. They assist with FEMA applications, insurance issues, and contractor estimates. Visit their table or schedule a meeting online at brightharbor.co/signup.
Read MorePublic Notice: Engineering Guidelines for Buildings Damaged by Forest Fires and Floodplain Compliance
The New Mexico State Board of Licensure outlines guidelines for restoring fire-damaged foundations, including structural assessments, material testing, and code compliance. In fire zones, soil suitability tests may be required for new foundations. For flood zones, rebuilding must comply with floodplain regulations, ensuring safety and stability.
Federal Assistance Exceeds $22 Million for Fires and Flooding Recovery
Over $22 million in federal assistance has been approved for recovery efforts following the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding in New Mexico. FEMA, the SBA, and NFIP are helping homeowners, renters, and businesses with grants, loans, and insurance settlements. The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is October 19, 2024. Visit disasterassistance.gov for more information.
Read MoreProtect Your Home: Ensure Safe Rebuilding by Hiring Licensed Contractors
Hiring unlicensed contractors can be risky. New Mexico urges residents to verify licenses of handymen, roofers, electricians, and more. Report unlicensed work to the Construction Industries or Manufactured Housing Divisions. Visit RLD.NM.GOV/REBUILDING-NEW-MEXICO or call 505-222-9800 to ensure safe rebuilding in Ruidoso.
Read MoreFEMA Announces Post-Wildfire Exception to 30-Day Waiting Period for National Flood Insurance: Immediate Coverage Available for Flooding Originating on Federal Land
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program allows an exception to the 30-day waiting period for coverage if post-wildfire flooding originates on federal land. Property owners can get immediate coverage if they purchase a policy before or within 60 days of fire containment. The exception is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Read MoreFree Legal Help Available for New Mexico Residents Impacted by South Fork and Salt Fires, Flooding
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.
Read MoreDisaster Loan Assistance Update: Key Deadlines, Resources, and Application Support
The SBA has approved $12.3 million in disaster loans, mainly for homeowners and renters. Following FEMA's closure of the incident period for DR 4795-NM on Aug. 20, 2024, those affected from June 17 to Aug. 20 can apply for loans by the Oct. 19 deadline. SBA reps are available for assistance, and webinars offer additional info. Applying ensures loan availability if insurance or aid falls short.
Read MoreFederal Contract Registration Workshop and 1:1 Assistance for Short-Term Rental Owners and Local Contractors
Join the Village of Ruidoso and FEMA for a Federal Contract Registration Workshop and 1:1 assistance sessions for short-term rental owners and local contractors impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Learn how to register on sam.gov for federal contracts, including FEMA’s Direct Lease program. Sessions will be held at ENMU-Ruidoso on September 10-12, 2024.
Read MoreSmokey Bear Ranger District Reopens All Closure Areas Following South Fork Fire
As of September 6, 2024, all closure orders in the Smokey Bear Ranger District have been lifted after the South Fork Fire. Visitors should stay alert for changing weather, especially near burn scars where flash floods can occur. For current conditions, closures, and alerts in Lincoln National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln
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Read MoreFEMA and SBA Offer Financial Assistance for Fire and Flood Mitigation: Strengthen Your Home for the Future
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.
Read MoreVillage of Ruidoso Mayor Issues Executive Order to Provide Relief for Property Owners Affected by Wildfires and Floods
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.
Read MoreVillage of Ruidoso Launches Disaster Recovery Dashboard to Aid Fire and Flood Recovery 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.
Read MoreFEMA Offers Medical and Dental Assistance to New Mexicans Affected by South Fork and Salt Fires and Flooding
New Mexicans with medical or dental expenses from the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding since June 17 may qualify for FEMA assistance. Eligibility isn’t limited to disaster areas. Covered costs include disaster-related injuries, equipment replacement, and service animal expenses. Apply by October 19, 2024, online, via the FEMA app, by phone, or at a Disaster Recovery Center.
Read MoreLincoln National Forest moves to ‘low’ fire danger rating
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.
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