Shipping and Delivery Information for Ruidoso, Alto, Ruidoso Downs, and Mescalero
Due to South Fork and Salt Fires, FedEx packages for Ruidoso, Alto, Ruidoso Downs, and Mescalero can be picked up at 206 E College Blvd, Roswell, NM. UPS shipments are on emergency status, held 7-10 days. Call 1-800-PICK-UPS for urgent packages. Visit the USPS website for mail delivery updates. The last full delivery day was June 14th.
South Fork Fire, Salt Fire Daily Update: June 19, 2024 - Evacuations in Place with Continued Fire Growth Expected
Evacuations continue in Ruidoso as the South Fork and Salt fires grow, with zero percent containment. Firefighters, supported by air and ground resources, battle extreme fire behavior and challenging weather. The community faces ongoing threats, prompting a State of Emergency on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and evacuation orders across multiple areas. Stay updated for the latest information and safety guidelines.
South Fork Fire, Salt Fire Evening Update – June 18, 2024
The South Fork Fire, discovered on June 17, 2024, has rapidly grown to 15,276 acres with 0% containment, causing the loss of approximately 1,400 structures and forcing the evacuation of around 8,000 people. It is burning on Mescalero Tribal, US Forest Service land, and areas around Ruidoso. Weather forecasts predict scattered showers and thunderstorms. The Salt Fire, also active, covers 5,557 acres on Mescalero Reservation. Both fires will be managed by a Complex Incident Management Team starting June 19.
Stay Connected: Receive emergency alerts directly to your phone or email at CallMeRuidoso.com
Stay informed and safe with Call Me Ruidoso! Receive timely emergency alerts directly to your phone or email, tailored to your location and preferences. Take immediate action to protect yourself and your loved ones during unforeseen events. Sign up at CallMeRuidoso.com for peace of mind in uncertain times.
Urgent Update: Salt Fire Threatens Ruidoso Downs - Mandatory Evacuation in Effect - June 18, 2024
The Salt Fire is making a significant run toward Ruidoso Downs, posing an imminent threat. A mandatory evacuation is in effect. All residents must evacuate immediately and head to a safe location. stay tuned to local news channels, our South Fork/Salt Fire Information Hub, our official Facebook page and tune in at 1490 AM for updates and further instructions.
South Fork Fire, Salt Fire Morning Update – June 18, 2024
Overnight efforts report the South Fork Fire at 13,921 acres and the Salt Fire at 4,876 acres, both with 0% containment. The Complex Team will take command this afternoon. Expected weather: winds at 15-20 MPH and single-digit humidity. Massive air attacks and dozer lines are underway. Updates at the Village Facebook page and 1490 AM
Evacuation Update South Fork Fire - June 18, 2024
Mandatory evacuations due to the South Fork Fire include Ruidoso Downs, Village of Ruidoso, Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Ponderosa Heights, Alpine Village, Lower Eagle Creek, Alto Lakes, Sonterra 1-3, Alto, West Gavilan, Sun Valley, Sierra Vista, Villa Madonna, Ski Run Road, areas west of Highway 48, and Gavilan Canyon Rd. Evacuate via Hwy 70 towards Roswell. Call 575-937-7785 for assistance. Updates on the Village Facebook page and 1490 AM.
IMMEDIATE MANDATORY "GO" EVACUATION FOR THE VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO - June 17, 2024
Due to the South Fork Fire, a mandatory evacuation is ordered for all of Ruidoso, from Sudderth/Mechem to Freedom Bloom at Big O Tire. Evacuate via Sudderth to Highway 70 toward Roswell. Highways 48 and 70 at Apache Summit are closed. Evacuation centers: Eastern NM University-Roswell (52 University Blvd) and Eastern NM State Fairgrounds (2500 SE Main St) for livestock/RVs. Info: 575-258-6900. Stay updated on the Village South Fork Fire Info Hub, Facebook, and 1490 AM.
New Start: South Fork Fire - June 17, 2024
The Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management (OEM) monitors the South Fork Fire on the Mescalero Apache reservation. Located 2-3 miles from the Village of Ruidoso, near Upper Canyon, the fire spans approximately 15 acres. The Smokey Bear Hot Shots and other crews are responding with air support, including a Type 1 helicopter and a large air tanker. Grindstone Lake operations are closed to facilitate water collection. Further updates will be provided.
Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 12, 2024
The Blue 2 Fire, 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, has burned 7,532 acres since May 16, 2024, and is now 91% contained. Caused by lightning, the fire's uncontained perimeter has been assessed and found not holding heat. Repair work continues, and moderate burn severity affects 8% of the area. Road closures and restrictions remain, with limited smoke expected throughout the summer. All evacuation orders have been lifted.
Military Aircraft Use of Ruidoso Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (SBRA) for High Altitude Training
Due to its mountainous location, military aircraft frequently use Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (SBRA) in Ruidoso for high-altitude training. Residents should not be alarmed by these aircraft, as they refuel and sometimes dine locally. This training is essential for national defense. For questions, contact SBRA at 575-336-8111.
Village of Ruidoso Seeks Public Input for 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP)
The Village of Ruidoso is hosting public meetings on June 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM and June 25, 2024, at 4:00 PM to gather input for the 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Meetings will be broadcast via YouTube and in-person at Village Hall, 313 Cree Meadows Drive. Residents can review and suggest updates to the plan, which prioritizes projects over five years. The Village Council will consider the plan on July 9, 2024.
Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 9, 2024
The Pecos Zone Type 3 team assumed command of the Blue 2 Fire at 6 PM yesterday. Repairs are near completion, with containment line work progressing. No heat has been detected for five days north of Buck Mountain. Minimal smoke is affecting the area. Bonito Lake Area remains closed for safety. All evacuations have been lifted. Thunderstorms may bring dry lightning and gusty winds. An interactive map is at tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs.
Burned Area Emergency Response Team Assessing Fire Severity On The Blue 2 Fire
A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Terry Hardy and Edgar Martinez, is assessing the Blue 2 Fire's impact in Ruidoso, NM. The team evaluates post-fire risks like flooding and debris flow, focusing on human safety and natural resources. Specialists from various fields create a Soil Burn Severity map and recommend emergency stabilization measures. More info is available on the Blue 2 Fire Postfire BAER InciWeb page.
Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 7, 2024
The Blue 2 Fire, caused by lightning, has burned 7,532 acres since May 16 and is 87% contained. 273 personnel are working on suppression repairs, with most lines repaired. Drones and firefighters patrol uncontained areas. Increased moisture expected, but dry lightning and winds are possible. Minimal smoke, good air quality. Forest closures remain; all evacuations lifted.
Village of Ruidoso Announces Formation of Short-Term Rental Sub-Committee and Upcoming Town Hall Meeting
The Village of Ruidoso has formed a Short-Term Rental Sub-Committee to evaluate the impact of short-term rentals. A Town Hall Meeting will be held on June 19, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input on the ordinance. Your feedback is essential in shaping effective policies for our community's future.
Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 6, 2024
An online community meeting is set for tonight at 7:30 pm on the Blue 2 Fire Facebook page. The fire, started by lightning on May 16, has burned 7,532 acres near Ruidoso, with 318 personnel and 83% containment. Efforts include land repair and erosion control. Improved weather conditions help, and all evacuations are lifted, but forest closures remain for safety.
Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 5, 2024
As of June 5, 2024, the fire has burned 7,532 acres since May 16, 2024, 8 miles north of Ruidoso in White Mountain Wilderness Area. Caused by lightning, it is now 77% contained, with 399 personnel working. Efforts include repairing dozer lines, installing erosion control, and reseeding fire lines. Minimal smoke is produced, with potential storms expected. Public safety closures remain in effect. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for June 6 at 7:30 pm on the Blue 2 Fire Facebook page.
Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 4, 2024
The Blue 2 Fire, located 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, started on May 16, 2024, and has burned 7,495 acres with 69% containment. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is arriving today and will begin their assessment for emergency soil stabilization. Containment is progressively increasing with firefighters working hard at mopping up the remaining uncontained areas of the fire perimeter. Due to ongoing firefighting activities, camping and other recreation activities in the Bonito Lake Area are still restricted in the interest of public safety. The fire was caused by lightning and is being managed by 489 personnel with various resources.
Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 3, 2024
The Blue 2 Fire, 8 miles north of Ruidoso, started on May 16, 2024, and has burned 7,495 acres with 59% containment. Evacuations are reduced due to efforts by local authorities. Fire personnel remain for monitoring and mop-up. The Red Cross shelter in Capitan will close, and the Emergency Operations Center will reduce hours. High temperatures and low humidity persist, but significant fire activity hasn't increased. Camping in Bonito Lake Area remains restricted.