State, local, and county agencies are offering free curbside debris removal in flood-affected areas of Lincoln County. Residents should sort debris into six categories and place it curbside following safety guidelines. Safe cleanup is essential for health and safety. Full details and disposal guidance available at dhsem.nm.gov/debris.

A precautionary boil water advisory is in effect for the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso due to flood-related damage. Residents should boil water for one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. No contamination is confirmed, but precautions are advised. Call 575-258-4343 for updates. Other areas of Ruidoso are not affected.

Due to hazardous monsoonal flooding, the Lincoln National Forest has issued a temporary closure for the Cedar Creek area on the Smokey Bear Ranger District, effective July 9–September 30, 2025. The order includes trailheads, recreation sites, and multiple trails. Visit the Forest Service website for full details and a map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/alerts.

The Village of Ruidoso confirms that three people have tragically lost their lives as a result of the historic flash flooding that swept through the community on July 8, 2025. The victims were swept downstream by the unprecedented floodwaters that struck the area.

Effective July 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM, the Village of Ruidoso has moved to Level I Fire Restrictions. Commercial fire pits (with fire marshal approval) and all outdoor cooking are allowed. Campfires, fireworks, and non-commercial fire pits remain prohibited. Violations will result in citations. Stay informed at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/emergency-information.

The Lincoln National Forest will begin prescribed fire operations in the Sacramento Ranger District July 5–7, weather permitting. The Jeffers Piles project aims to reduce hazardous vegetation near Perk Canyon and Trail Canyon. Smoke and temporary area closures are expected. Visit fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln for updates.

Fire restrictions in Lincoln National Forest have been lifted and the fire danger lowered to “Moderate” across all districts as of July 3. Officials credit recent rainfall and improved conditions, but remind visitors to follow key fire prevention rules. Fire season is not over—campfires must be attended, fireworks remain banned, and safety remains a shared priority.

Join us July 9 for a South Fork Post-Fire Recovery Public Meeting at ENMU–Ruidoso, 5–7 p.m. with a pre-meeting help session from 4–5 p.m. Learn about post-fire assistance for private landowners, including federal and state recovery programs, cost-sharing, and technical guidance. Attend in person or online via Microsoft Teams.

The Smokey Bear Ranger District Office in Ruidoso remains open weekdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., despite a June 30 shift to appointment-only service at the Alamogordo Supervisors Office. Sacramento and Guadalupe offices also remain open, with adjusted schedules. Full Forest Service contact info at: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/offices.

The Village of Ruidoso has launched a Monsoon Season Awareness page to help residents and visitors stay informed during summer storms. The resource includes safety tips, emergency alerts, and the RAIN (Ruidoso All-Hazard Information Network) map, which highlights flood-prone areas, road conditions, and real-time weather updates.

The official website for Elk Meadows, Ruidoso’s new workforce housing development, is now live at ElkMeadowsApartments.com. Learn about unit layouts, supportive services, and project updates as this 72-unit community takes shape to meet the housing needs of local families and essential workers.

One year after the South Fork Fire, the Village of Ruidoso honors a year of courage, compassion, and community recovery. Join the June 17 remembrance event at Wingfield Park and explore ongoing support resources. Full details at ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire-anniversary.

Following the June 10 Council meeting, Ruidoso’s Water Resources Department released its 2023–2025 water monitoring report. It highlights groundwater hydrographs from multiple wells, Eagle Creek flow data, monthly storage levels across major water tanks, and Grindstone Reservoir trends. It also outlines wildfire-related monitoring interruptions and the Village’s adaptive management strategies.

Village servers will be relocated starting at 2:30 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025. During this time, email, phones, and online services will be unavailable. Normal operations will resume Monday, June 16. Emails received after the Friday cutoff will be reviewed and answered on Monday. Thank you for your understanding during this scheduled update.

Effective June 5, the fire danger rating across all three districts of Lincoln National Forest has been lowered from “very high” to “high.” Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect. Visitors are urged to stay alert and follow all safety guidelines. Details: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln

Elk Meadows, a 72-unit apartment community in Ruidoso, is now underway, offering modern, energy-efficient homes for local families and workers. Backed by $15M in state tax credits and developed in partnership with Enriched Communities LLC, the Village of Ruidoso, and others, the project includes on-site services and is set for completion by fall 2026.

The Village of Ruidoso has been selected to host its first-ever IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon on July 11–12, 2026. The announcement was made during an official press conference on April 16. The high-altitude race is expected to draw athletes and visitors from around the globe to experience Ruidoso’s scenic mountain terrain and vibrant community.

Ruidoso, New Mexico, has been named the Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor highlights Ruidoso’s vibrant arts, music, and community spirit. Officially announced on April 9, 2025, Ruidoso topped the list of cultural destinations, showcasing its unique blend of creativity and community pride. Visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for more details.

New short-term rental rules in Ruidoso aim to boost safety and community well-being. Updates include permit fees ($300), annual inspections (compliance reinspections $50), occupancy limits (2 adults per sleeping unit), and stricter fire safety. Stay informed and compliant!

The feature film Dead Letters, starring Emmy-winner Margo Martindale, has wrapped filming in Ruidoso and Las Cruces Directed by David Drake, the film follows a long-haul truck driver confronting her past as her daughter’s murderer faces parole. The production, employing over 100 local New Mexicans, highlights Ruidoso’s cinematic appeal and the state’s film-friendly incentives.