Stage 1 Fire Restrictions take effect across Lincoln National Forest at 8:00 a.m. on March 27, 2026, due to increasing fire danger. Campfires are limited to Forest Service fire rings in developed sites, and propane stoves are permitted with precautions. Restrictions apply forest-wide through September 30, 2026, or until lifted.

Free well water testing will be available to Ruidoso residents on Saturday, March 28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 2917 Sudderth Drive. Open to private well owners, the event is free for the first 100 participants. Residents must bring their own water samples. Results will be mailed within two to three weeks.

Ruidoso residents are invited to attend Flood Preparedness Workshops on May 6, May 20, and June 3 from 6–8 PM. Learn about flash flooding, burn scar runoff, weather alerts, and how to prepare for the 2026 monsoon season following the impacts of the 2025 floods.

Updated March 25, 2026: Additional program information and forms are now available.

Lincoln County and partner agencies will host a community meeting on March 25 at ENMU–Ruidoso to share information about the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP), including voluntary property buyout options, eligibility, and next steps following recent fire and flood impacts. A virtual attendance option is also available.

Residents of Ruidoso may be affected by PNM Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during extreme wildfire conditions. The Village is helping the community prepare through emergency alerts, resiliency centers, and preparedness resources. Residents are encouraged to review safety plans, register for alerts, and stay informed.

The Village of Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management is asking residents to complete the REACH Survey to report disaster-related property impacts. Survey responses help officials assess community damage, coordinate with County and State partners, and connect residents with available recovery assistance programs.

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.