Lincoln National Forest has begun post-fire flood mitigation in Perk, Brady, and Upper Cedar Creek Canyons near Ruidoso. Crews are installing large woody debris structures to slow runoff, reduce erosion, and stabilize fire-impacted drainages following the South Fork Fire. Temporary area closures may be in effect.

NOAA Weather Radios are required by ordinance in all short-term rentals in Ruidoso to support guest safety and emergency preparedness. These radios provide real-time alerts for flooding, wildfire, and severe weather, even when cell service or power is limited. Learn how hosts can comply and where radios are available.

Lincoln National Forest is assessing trails in the South Fork and Blue 2 Fire scar areas as part of ongoing post-fire recovery on the Smokey Bear Ranger District. The work supports public safety and helps guide sustainable trail rehabilitation and future recreation access in and around Ruidoso.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is providing free tree removal, chainsaw services, and debris cleanup for Ruidoso residents affected by the January 2026 winter storm. Learn where and how to register for no-cost disaster relief assistance, including intake location, hours, and phone registration details.

The Village of Ruidoso has declared a local emergency following the January winter storm to support response and recovery efforts. The declaration allows coordination with county and state partners, documents storm impacts, and preserves eligibility for assistance if needed. Residents are encouraged to report storm-related damages through the REACH Survey.

The Village of Ruidoso is asking residents and business owners to report property damage from the January 2026 winter storm by completing an Individual Assistance Survey, a key step in helping the community qualify for state and federal disaster assistance.

A new thinning project is underway on Lower Crown Drive in the Camelot area of Ruidoso to improve neighborhood safety and reduce wildfire risk. As part of the WUI Barrier Project, crews will thin 20 acres and begin treatments across 250 contracted acres. Residents may see equipment and posted signage in active areas as this multi-year wildfire mitigation effort progresses.

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.