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.

The SBA has approved over $6 million in disaster loans for New Mexico residents and businesses affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and flooding. Assistance is available for the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, and San Juan counties. The deadline to apply for property damage is August 19, 2024, and for economic injury is March 20, 2025. Apply at SBA.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955.

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.

Last month brought significant challenges to Ruidoso due to the South Fork and Salt fires and subsequent flooding. The Village Council made crucial decisions, including agreements with the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce and Midtown Association and amendments to utility regulations. FEMA and local centers provided disaster assistance, while the Lincoln County Medical Center managed patient care amid evacuations. Community resilience shone through events like the Sierra Blanca Shooters' state win and School House Park upgrades. Rebuilding efforts continue, with support for local businesses and a planned benefit relief concert at Brewdoso 2024.

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 New Mexico Association of REALTORS® has secured a $500,000 grant from the REALTORS® Relief Foundation to assist residents impacted by the South Fork and Salt Wildfires. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,500 per household for mortgage, rental, or hotel expenses. Applications are open until August 23, 2024. Visit the NM REALTOR® website for details and to apply for assistance.

The Village of Ruidoso provides crucial updates for employers regarding Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax rates post-disaster. Contributory employers won't see charges for disaster-related benefits, while reimbursable employers are only charged for Standard UI claims. Employers can review rates, report refusal of work, and seek assistance via NMDWS. Visit www.dws.state.nm.us or call 1-877-664-6984 for details.

The Village of Ruidoso invites residents to a Town Hall meeting on August 6, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 313 Cree Meadows Drive to gather public input for the FY 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Attend to help prioritize and update the Village’s capital projects over the next five years. Your participation is crucial!

A Ruidoso Rising Community Distribution Event will take place on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gateway Community Church, 415 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM. This event aims to provide essential supplies to residents in need, offering vital resources to support individuals and families during challenging times. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies are limited. Together, we rise stronger.

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.

Ruidoso's Parks and Recreation Department has renovated the tennis courts at School House Park, which are now open and free to use. A new playground is also being installed. Funded by a grant, these enhancements have been in progress for months. Windscreens for the courts are on order and will be installed soon. These upgrades aim to improve recreational options for the community.

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.

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. 

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.