Lincoln National Forest Plans Prescribed Burn Near 16 Springs Beginning October 30
The Lincoln National Forest is planning a 153-acre prescribed pile burn near 16 Springs beginning as early as October 30, 2026. No closures are planned, but smoke may be visible in the surrounding area and experienced in 16 Springs and Mayhill.
Lincoln National Forest Plans Prescribed Burns Near Nogal and Alto Beginning October 27
The Lincoln National Forest plans prescribed pile burns near Nogal and Alto beginning as early as October 27. No closures are planned, but smoke may be visible in Alto, Capitan, Nogal, and surrounding areas.
Lincoln National Forest Begins Hazard Tree and Fuels Reduction Work Near Ruidoso
The Lincoln National Forest has begun hazard tree mitigation and fuels reduction work in the South Fork and Blue 2 fire scars near Ruidoso. Heavy equipment will be operating in several Forest Service areas, and temporary public closures may occur during peak work periods.
FEMA Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Scheduled for November 17
FEMA will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at approximately 12:20 PM MDT. Radio and television programming may be temporarily interrupted. No action is required by the public.
Lincoln National Forest Announces Temporary Road Closures Following Tropical Storm Damage
The Lincoln National Forest has temporarily closed Forest Roads 329, 329B, 483, and 57 due to damage caused by recent tropical storms. The closure order remains in effect through January 1, 2027, unless rescinded earlier.
XTERRA World Championship Road Closures & Traffic Information | October 7–11, 2026
XTERRA World Championship activities will bring temporary road closures, traffic-control points, and detours to Ruidoso October 7–11. Residents and motorists are encouraged to review affected roads, plan alternate routes, and allow extra travel time.
Lincoln National Forest Advances Post-Fire Recovery with 2026 Reforestation Projects
Lincoln National Forest has completed its 2026 reforestation season, planting more than 40,500 seedlings in the Blue 2 Fire scar and advancing long-term recovery planning for areas affected by the Blue 2 and South Fork fires.
New Mexico Home Recovery Program: Housing Recovery Help and In-Person Assistance in Ruidoso
Ruidoso-area residents can get in-person help with New Mexico’s Home Recovery Program, which supports eligible disaster-impacted households in Lincoln and Chaves Counties with home repairs, reconstruction, and new construction. Weekly application workshops and monthly town halls continue in Ruidoso through December 2026.
Lincoln National Forest Lifts Fire Restrictions
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.
Village of Ruidoso Reduces Fire Restrictions to Level I Effective July 20, 2026
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.
Lincoln National Forest Continues Post-Fire Flood Mitigation Work Near Ruidoso
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.
Village of Ruidoso Launches RuidosoReady.com to Help Residents Prepare, Recover and Stay Informed
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.
Village of Ruidoso Launches RuidosoReady.com to Help Residents Prepare, Recover, and Stay Informed
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.
Village of Ruidoso Earns National Weather Service StormReady Recognition
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.
Lincoln National Forest Issues Temporary Cedar Creek & Perk Canyon Area Closures Through September 2026
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.
Monsoon Awareness Week 2026 Begins June 7
The Village of Ruidoso is recognizing Monsoon Awareness Week, June 7–13, 2026, in partnership with the National Weather Service. Throughout the week, the Village will share daily weather safety information and preparedness reminders focused on flash flooding, lightning, extreme heat, high winds, dust storms, and monsoon safety awareness.
Final Community Flood Preparedness Workshop Canceled
June 1, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The final Community Flood Preparedness Workshop in Ruidoso, scheduled for June 3, 2026, has been canceled due to weather conditions. Residents and visitors are encouraged to review the Flood Aware 2026 presentation slides from the National Weather Service and Village of Ruidoso Emergency Operations Center, covering monsoon weather, burn scar flooding, flash flood alerts, emergency preparedness, and flood safety information.
Public Notice: EDA NEPA/NHPA Review – Upper Canyon Restoration & Revitalization Project
The Village of Ruidoso is providing public notice regarding the Economic Development Administration’s NEPA/NHPA environmental review process for the proposed Upper Canyon Restoration & Revitalization Project in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Public comments related to potential environmental or historic property impacts will be accepted through June 28, 2026.
Village of Ruidoso Updates Outdoor Warning System Policy to All-Hazards Emergency Alert System
The Village of Ruidoso has updated its Outdoor Warning System Policy, transitioning the siren system from wildfire evacuation alerts to an all-hazards emergency warning system. Siren activation now signifies an immediate threat to life and directs residents and visitors to seek official information and take protective action immediately.
Fire Debris Removal: Safety Guidance for Property Owners
April 30, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — Property owners clearing fire debris should take precautions to protect health and ensure proper disposal. Wildfire debris may contain hazardous materials like asbestos and heavy metals. Learn how to separate debris, confirm landfill requirements, and use protective equipment before beginning cleanup.