Join the vital town hall hosted by NM DHS & Emergency Management and the Mescalero Apache Tribe on July 2, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.. Stay informed about the South Fork and Salt Fires. Participate via Facebook Live or Zoom Webinar. Ask questions live during the event to get updates directly from officials and tribal representatives.

Ruidoso Visitor Update - July 8, 2024: We are pleased to announce that Ruidoso is open and welcoming visitors. While we continue to recover from the South Fork and Salt fires, most of our attractions, shops, restaurants, and accommodations are available for your enjoyment. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore our community. Stay informed and enjoy your visit!

In response to the South Fork and Salt Fires, FEMA has set up Disaster Recovery Assistance Centers in Ruidoso and Roswell. Residents and businesses can access vital support at multiple locations, ensuring prompt assistance and recovery resources. Register at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 for aid.

Flash flooding is ongoing, and the Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management has issued an immediate evacuation for the Upper Canyon and move to higher ground. Evacuate immediately – do not delay and do not gather any belongings. Go now!. Shelter is available at White Mountain Relief Center, 687 Hull Road. Tune in to 1490 AM for updates.

Urgent advisory for Ruidoso residents as a flash flood threatens the area until 8:30 PM. Evacuate to higher ground if near the Rio Ruidoso or low-lying areas. Shelter available at White Mountain Relief Center, 687 Hull Road. Tune in to 1490 AM for updates.

Join ENMU-Ruidoso for the Fire Disaster Assistance Fair on July 1, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Receive crucial support from legal aid, insurance guidance, health services, and more. Free food provided!

The NMED Drinking Water Bureau has lifted additional precautionary drinking water advisories for parts of the Ruidoso Water System and the entire Alto Lakes Water & Sanitation District. However, advisories remain in place for certain areas, including Tall Pines Water Association, Cedar Creek, Alpine Village, and Gavilan Hills Water System. For more details, contact Brandi Littleton at 575-323-4298.

All areas previously under Exclusion Zones in Ruidoso are now open to residents. Upper Canyon may experience low water pressure. Flash floods and landslides are still possible, so immediate evacuation is required if called. Numerous hazards, including downed and falling trees, remain. Exercise caution and stay informed through the South Fork Fire Information Hub. Your safety is our top priority.

The Village of Ruidoso announces the indefinite closure of Alto Lake following extensive damages from the South Fork Fire. The fire has compromised trails, recreational facilities, and the lake’s ecosystem, posing significant safety risks. Restoration efforts are underway. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated during this challenging time.

The New Mexico Environment Department has partially lifted the precautionary water advisory for Ruidoso and surrounding areas, including the Ruidoso Water System and several local establishments. The advisory remains in place for other areas, such as Cedar Creek and Alpine Village. For detailed information, contact Brandi Littleton at 575-323-4298. NMED ensures no discrimination in its programs and activities.

The FBI is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the South Fork and Salt Fires near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Discovered on June 17, 2024, these fires have caused significant damage. The FBI's Albuquerque Field Office is working with various agencies, urging the public to submit tips via 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

In response to escalating wildfires, President Biden approved Gov. Lujan Grisham's disaster declaration for NM, unlocking federal aid. Lincoln County and Mescalero Apache Reservation remain under a state emergency since June 18, 2024. Ruidoso pledges support, urging vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines.

Lincoln National Forest officials have raised the fire danger rating to 'very high' and will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions starting May 30 at 8 a.m. due to increased fire danger. These restrictions, applying to all three districts, prohibit activities such as igniting fires, smoking outside, and using equipment that could spark a fire. Exemptions include specific uses of LPG-fueled stoves and smoking in enclosed spaces. Violation of these restrictions can lead to fines and imprisonment. For details and maps, visit the New Mexico Fire Information website.

In a significant development for the Ruidoso community, the Ruidoso Midtown Association has been granted $265,000 in funding for a crucial pedestrian and parking lot improvement project. This financial boost comes as part of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) and New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) initiative, which recently allocated $10 million in Capital Outlay Funding for public infrastructure projects in MainStreet districts across the state.

The Ruidoso Police Department (RPD) seeks the public's assistance in solving an unusually high number of burglaries within the Village. Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact the Ruidoso Police Department at 575-258-7365. Your information will remain anonymous, and a reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest of suspects.

At approximately 5:00 AM on August 31, 2023, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Ruidoso Police Department, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Willie Horton Drive. The warrant was executed as part of an ongoing investigation into the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. Sights were set on the Bandidos given the organization’s continued participation in murders, shootings, extortion, and other violent acts. The operation focused on 25 members within New Mexico chapters who appeared to be the most criminally active and loudest voices advocating for continued violence.

Crews from the Smokey Bear Ranger District are finishing work on the West Mountain Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire that began on August 3, 2023. The completed work is part of long-term goals in forest land management and wildfire mitigation efforts in the Lincoln National Forest. This is the final update on the West Mountain Fire unless there are any breaking developments.

The statewide portion of the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT), the taxes that businesses pay on the goods they sell, dropped to 4.875% effective July 1, 2023, resulting in changes to the overall rates across New Mexico. The rate drop is the result of legislation enacted in 2022 to benefit businesses and shoppers across New Mexico.

In a unanimous 6-0 vote, the Ruidoso Village Council voted at a Special Meeting earlier today to terminate Village Manager Tim Dodge. Dodge had been on paid administrative leave pending an investigative process since December 2, 2022. At the same meeting, it was announced the current Deputy Village Manager, Ron Sena, has been named as the Interim Manager. Sena will oversee all Village business along with Mayor Lynn Crawford until a permanent replacement is named.

Ruidoso firefighters Anthony Franks and Tony Nanz were honored with awards for their heroic actions in the April 2022 McBride Fire. Alec Davis also received the Fire Safety Commendation Award for his service fighting active wildfires in Texas and California.