Village of Ruidoso Declares May 17, 2025, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Ruidoso, NM—With Ruidoso identified as the number one at-risk community in New Mexico for catastrophic wildfire, Mayor Lynn Crawford has officially proclaimed Saturday, May 17, 2025, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. This is a critical opportunity for individuals, families, and neighborhoods to take proactive steps in protecting lives, homes, and natural resources.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility, whether clearing brush, creating a family evacuation plan, or simply talking to your neighbors about safety, every action helps build a more resilient Ruidoso.
How Residents Can Prepare
All residents are urged to participate by taking simple, meaningful actions to reduce wildfire risk, including:
Clear flammable vegetation and debris from around homes.
Create defensible space zones to slow the spread of fires.
Learn about evacuation routes and emergency kits to ensure readiness.
Support neighbors who may need assistance with fire preparedness. Enroll vulnerable residents in the Village Emergency Assistance Registry (VEAR).
Stay informed about current fire restrictions: The Village of Ruidoso is currently under Level II Fire Restrictions, and Lincoln National Forest is operating under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. These restrictions are in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and must be followed by all residents and visitors.
Sign up for local emergency alerts through the Village of Ruidoso’s notification system at CallMeRuidoso.com. This ensures you’ll receive timely information during critical events, including evacuation notices and fire updates.
Whether working alone or organizing with others, every action contributes to making Ruidoso a safer and more resilient place to live.
The Village urges all households and neighborhoods to participate and help Ruidoso become a model fire-adapted community.
Working Toward a Fire-Adapted Community
The Village of Ruidoso’s participation in Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is part of a broader commitment to public safety, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Local partners, including the Ruidoso Fire Department, Emergency Management Department, and regional emergency management agencies, will share additional resources and preparedness materials throughout May.
For more Village of Ruidoso emergency information or tips on preparing your home for wildfire, visit the New Mexico State Forestry’s Fire Prevention page.
Source Document: Village of Ruidoso 2025 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Proclamation
