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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.