DHSEM is verifying 2024 Private Property Debris Removal applications and will not delay cleanup while insurance is resolved. Action Required: If you have received or may receive insurance coverage for debris removal, email DHSEM-DCM@dhsem.nm.gov. DHSEM will follow up with next steps and is prioritizing your safety and fast debris removal.

The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Ruidoso Public Library closed permanently on Nov. 18, 2025. Residents, businesses, and nonprofits can still apply online at sba.gov/disaster. The grace period for physical disaster loan applications ends Dec. 14, 2025. The EIDL deadline is Apr. 22, 2026. For help, call (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Phase 1 of hazard tree mitigation in the Blue 2 and South Fork burn areas of Lincoln National Forest is complete. Crews felled dangerous dead trees near roads, trails, and public sites to ensure safety and protect infrastructure. Trees remain onsite until Phase 2, which will handle removal and disposal. Planning for Phase 2 is underway.

Phase 1 Hazard Tree Mitigation is underway in the Blue 2 and South Fork burn areas of the Smokey Bear Ranger District. This vital post-fire recovery project improves public safety by removing standing dead trees near roads, recreation sites, and property boundaries. All work is confined to Forest Service lands within the Lincoln National Forest.

Residents of Lincoln and Doña Ana counties affected by the June–July 2025 flooding have until October 15, 2025, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362 for help with housing, repairs, and disaster recovery needs.

Independent retailers impacted by federally declared disasters may be eligible for up to $10,000 through the Economic Recovery Grant from Heart on Main Street. Funds can cover rent, payroll, utilities, and other recovery expenses. Apply online at heartonmainstreet.org or get assistance at the Disaster Recovery Center in the ENMU-Ruidoso Annex.

Ruidoso’s emergency sirens are used only during official wildfire evacuation orders and are tested twice monthly at 5 PM on the 1st and 15th. Flood alerts and other hazards are shared through CallMeRuidoso.com, the RAIN map, NOAA Weather Radio, and local media. Learn what the sirens mean, when they sound, and how to stay informed.

Full-service flood debris removal is now available at no cost to private property owners in Lincoln County through DHSEM’s PPDR program for damage from the June 23 floods/landslides. Sign up at the DRC (ENMU-Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr., starting Tue, Aug 19) or download and email the form to DHSEM-DCM@dhsem.nm.gov. More info: DHSEM website or 505-670-4662 (option 4).

Status Update (September 2025): The Upper Canyon area is now fully open. Thank you to residents and visitors for your patience and cooperation during the closure.

Beware of scams during flood recovery. The FCC warns of fake contractors, phishing calls, and fraud targeting disaster survivors. Learn how to protect yourself: After the Storms: Watch Out for Scams. Stay informed and share with neighbors. More resources at ruidoso-nm.gov/recovery.

Flood-affected businesses in Lincoln and Doña Ana Counties have until October 27, 2025, to file July 25 and August 25 tax returns without penalty. Late filing/payment penalties are waived, though interest still applies. Taxpayers must notify TRD by email or mail with documentation. Details: Bulletin 100.47 and Form RPD-41096 at tax.newmexico.gov.

The SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center at ENMU–Ruidoso to assist those affected by July’s storms, flooding, and landslides. Local businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters can get in-person help applying for low-interest disaster loans. Walk-ins welcome. Visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955 for details. Deadlines: Sept. 22 (physical), April 22 (economic).

Major Disaster Declaration Issued for Lincoln County. Federal funding is now available to support flood recovery in Lincoln County following a Major Disaster Declaration. Assistance for individuals, businesses, and public cleanup is available at disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362. A local Disaster Recovery Center is open daily at ENMU-Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr.

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.

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 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.

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.