The Lincoln National Forest has lifted all fire restrictions across its three ranger districts following recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, reducing the forest fire danger to Moderate. Visitors are still urged to practice wildfire safety. Please note that the Village of Ruidoso’s Level I Fire Restrictions remain in effect within Village limits.

The Village of Ruidoso recognized outstanding employees and departments through its Quarterly Employee Recognition and Rewards Program. Parks & Recreation was named Department of the Quarter, while Andrew Sullens, Isaiah Spitty, Elaine Sanchez, and Ezequiel Alvarez were honored as Employees of the Quarter for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

Effective July 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the Village of Ruidoso reduced fire restrictions from Level II to Level I following improved fire conditions. Commercial fire pits approved by the Fire Marshal and outdoor cooking on all appliances, including charcoal grills, are now permitted. Non-commercial fire pits, campfires, and fireworks remain prohibited.

The Lincoln National Forest is continuing post-fire flood mitigation work in Upper Cedar Creek Canyon and Brady Canyon beginning July 19. Crews will install natural woody debris structures to slow floodwaters, reduce erosion, and support long-term watershed recovery. Temporary closures may be in place near active work areas to protect public safety.

Watch the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso race weekend livestreams and follow the action from anywhere. The weekend features the IRONMAN 70.3, 5150 Olympic, and Sprint triathlon events. Find the live video stream, plus links to road closures, traffic information, parking updates, spectator guidance, official course maps, and race weekend resources.

The Village of Ruidoso has published official traffic information for IRONMAN® 70.3 Ruidoso race weekend. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing road closures, neighborhood access, traffic guidance, downloadable documents, and frequently asked questions before traveling on July 11–12.

The Lincoln National Forest is reminding residents and visitors to recreate responsibly this Fourth of July weekend. Follow designated OHV routes, respect dispersed camping rules, observe Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, and remember that fireworks are prohibited on Forest Service lands. Help protect wildlife, public lands, and the forest for future generations.

The July 2026 Village of Ruidoso Insider features IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso, the launch of commercial air service, major water infrastructure investments, monsoon preparedness, and updates on the Outdoor Warning System. Also included are Village Council news, library and museum highlights, school updates, healthcare news, Chamber and Midtown reports, and upcoming community events.

Temporary closures and parking changes will be in effect July 6–12 during IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso. Grindstone Lake, the Wibit Water Park, and the White Mountain Sports Complex parking lot will be closed, while hiking trails, disc golf, the dog park, and pickleball courts remain open with alternate access. Facilities will reopen following the event on July 13.

Explore the history of Ruidoso and New Mexico through Lines Across the Land, a special exhibit now on display at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum. Featuring historic maps that trace the region’s evolving communities, transportation routes, and landscapes, the exhibit offers a unique perspective on local heritage. Open through the end of September.

The Village of Ruidoso has launched RuidosoReady.com, a new preparedness and recovery website that helps residents, businesses, and visitors prepare for emergencies, access recovery resources, and build resilience year-round. During active emergencies, the Village Emergency Information page will continue to provide official updates, alerts, road closures, and incident information.

The Lincoln National Forest will reopen Oak Grove Campground on July 3, 2026, following extensive restoration after the South Fork Fire. More than 2,000 hazardous trees were removed and 30 campsites restored, marking another milestone in regional recovery. Visitors should plan for first-come, first-served camping and possible delays on NM 532 due to ongoing road construction.

The Village of Ruidoso has approved its FY2028–2032 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan priorities, identifying the community’s top infrastructure needs over the next five years. The plan focuses on public safety, flood mitigation, transportation, water and sewer improvements, workforce housing, and watershed restoration while helping position future projects for state funding opportunities.

More than 2,700 historic photographs from the Carmon Phillips Collection are now available through the Wingfield Heritage House Museum’s online collections database. The images document life in Ruidoso during the 1950s and 1960s, with additional photographs and historical information continuing to be added as cataloging work progresses.

The Village of Ruidoso has launched RuidosoReady.com, a new preparedness and recovery website designed to help residents, businesses, and visitors prepare for emergencies, access recovery information, and stay informed year-round. The site brings together wildfire and flood preparedness, evacuation guidance, emergency alerts, rebuilding resources, and resilience tools in one trusted location.

The Village of Ruidoso is preparing to launch an Automated Speed Enforcement Program designed to improve roadway safety. The program is expected to begin with a 30-day warning period within the next seven days, during which eligible violations may receive warnings instead of citations. Following the warning phase, drivers traveling 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit may receive a $100 citation. No points are assessed on driving records.

The Village of Ruidoso has earned StormReady recognition from the National Weather Service, acknowledging the community’s commitment to emergency preparedness, public warning systems, and coordinated response capabilities. The designation reflects ongoing investments in resilience, emergency communications, and public safety.

Sierra Blanca Regional Airport has installed a new FAA-certified Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), restoring certified weather reporting capabilities ahead of the launch of commercial air service between Ruidoso and Denver. The upgraded system enhances aviation safety, supports reliable flight operations, and provides valuable weather data for forecasters, emergency managers, residents, and visitors.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is exploring a new Scrapbooking Workshop Series that combines creativity, storytelling, and local history through hands-on experiences for all skill levels. Community members are invited to complete a brief survey to help shape workshop themes, scheduling, and future offerings as the museum plans a three-month pilot program beginning this summer.

The Lincoln National Forest has issued a temporary closure order for portions of the Cedar Creek, Perk Canyon, and Smokey Bear Ranger District recreation areas due to hazardous monsoon-related flooding risks. Multiple trailheads, recreation sites, and trails are affected through September 30, 2026, unless lifted earlier by the U.S. Forest Service.