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. 

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.

The Village of Ruidoso, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and USDA Forest Service, initiated the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment for the South Fork and Salt Fires. With 24 specialists on board, the team is evaluating post-fire damage, despite cloud cover hindering satellite imagery. Ground assessments and community input are ongoing, with daily updates provided until the assessment is complete.

Wildfires can cause significant emotional distress. Survivors, first responders, and rescue workers may experience anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. Resources for support include Agora Crisis Center (505-277-3013), New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (855-662-7474), and the Disaster Distress Helpline (800-985-5990). Specialized resources are also available for firefighters. Visit the Village of Ruidoso South Fork and Salt Fires Information Hub for more details.

Following the South Fork and Salt fires, which burned over 25,000 acres, USPS has reopened local post offices in Alto, Hollywood, Ruidoso, and Ruidoso Downs. These locations are now fully operational with specific hours. Delivery services will resume except in burn areas; residents in these areas can pick up their mail with ID verification. This marks a return to normalcy for the community.

Residents of Ruidoso affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires can access essential supplies at First Baptist Church, Lincoln County Fairgrounds, and White Mountain Sports Complex, where FEMA and Red Cross representatives are available. A new distribution center at River Crossing Ministries will open on June 25, 2024. Note: Donations are being accepted via cfolc.org/. Stay updated via the Village of Ruidoso South Fork and Salt Fire Information Hub.

Due to the South Fork Fire, Zia Natural Gas has curtailed service in parts of Ruidoso and Alto, including Upper Canyon, areas west of Mechem (Hwy 48), Alpine Village, Cedar Creek, West Gavilan, Barney Luck, north Gavilan Canyon Road, and parts of Alto. Do not turn your gas meter on. Zia crews will safely reestablish service. For info, call (800) 520-4277. Your safety is our priority.

In response to the South Fork and Salt Fires, the NM Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) issued an Emergency Order for enhanced insurance protections over 120 days. This includes grace periods for premium payments, early prescription refills, waived deductibles, and advance payments for living expenses. For support, contact OSI’s emergency hotline at 1-833-485-1336 or visit their wildfire resource page.

The Village of Ruidoso is ensuring that evacuated residents can access their medications amid the South Fork and Salt Fire emergencies. For prescription refills, LCMC/Presbyterian patients can call 844-505-7737, and Sierra Blanca Pharmacy customers can call 575-937-0663. Presbyterian has emergency authorization for refills from the NM Board of Pharmacy. More updates will be provided as available.

In response to the South Fork and Salt Fires, the Village of Ruidoso, in collaboration with PNM, provides essential guidelines for residents experiencing power outages. If your property is undamaged, PNM will restore power automatically. For damaged properties, contact a licensed electrician. PNM will suspend billing for significantly damaged properties. Visit PNM.com or call 1-888-342-5766 for assistance.

On July 27, 2022, Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford issued Executive Order 2022-04, which states the CPI adjustment to utility rates as provided in the Village of Ruidoso Code of Ordinances shall not be applied until the entire Governing Body of the Village of Ruidoso has met in open session to discuss this matter further.

PNM Outage Update At the start of this incident on Tuesday, there were 18,000 customers without power. As of this morning, crews have restored all but 60 customers which are mostly in the burn area. Today crews continue reconstructing damaged equipment underground and overhead.

PNM Outage Update outage update - As of Thursday, April 15 at 2 PM, crews have restored power to more customers in Ruidoso and are working to restore about 300 of the 600 remaining customers this afternoon/evening.

There are about 60 PNM crew members continuing to make repairs, replace damaged equipment, and restore more customers today. As of 9:15 AM this morning, there are approximately 1,700 customers that crews are still working to restore. We expect another 800-900 customers will be restored today. If you watch the outage map on PNM.com.

As of Thursday, April 14, at 6 PM, there are 2,600 customers we're still working to restore. Crews are anticipating getting power back up for another 1,000 customers by 10 PM tonight. Power for Walmart has been restored. Power for Albertsons is expected to be restored by 7 PM. You may see some lag or slight fluctuation in the number of customers still without power on PNM.com as outage restorations are inputted and closed out. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

RUIDOSO OUTAGE UPDATE: Yesterday, there were approximately 18,000 customers without power. As of right now, there are about 9,500 customers still to be restored. Additional crews were called in and have been working to get power safely restored for customers in Ruidoso. The majority of the damage our crews are seeing is not due to the fire, rather it’s been due to the 75-90MPH winds the area experienced yesterday. The decision to shut off power yesterday was a difficult but very necessary decision made out of an abundance of caution to first responders and customers in Ruidoso.

PNM is telling residents not to be alarmed if they see a helicopter flying low over powerlines in their neighborhood. It’s part of the company's aerial inspection program to mitigate wildfire risk. Ruidoso residents may see the helicopter flying low beginning March 21, 2022. Flights will be carried out between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.