The Ruidoso fires hit the village hard in the summer of 2024. But Ruidoso is emerging from the one-two punch of fires and floods with a renewed sense of community and optimism.
Local businesses have reopened their doors and are eager to serve residents and visitors. Many exciting events are planned this fall, giving you even more reasons to explore everything this mountain town has to offer. Here is the latest on the recovery.
Good News Ahead
The South Fork and Salt fires, followed by flash flooding, dealt a blow to the approximately 7,600 residents of Ruidoso. Still, with recovery efforts underway, Mayor Lynn Crawford says he does not doubt that “…this community will continue to work together to support each other as we tackle the obstacles ahead.”
In mentioning his appreciation for employees engaged in ongoing recovery efforts, the mayor said, “Many of them are not only doing their normal jobs but have also taken on additional roles and responsibilities as part of our response to this incident. Please know that I appreciate you, and this community appreciates you!”
With safety for tourists no longer an issue, maybe it’s time to start planning your next trip to Ruidoso. Support local businesses when you’re there. Buy a T-shirt, have a meal in one of the many restaurants that are back in business, or stop in for a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop or bakery. Let the residents know that you support them and their ongoing recovery.
Aspen Fest is slated for October 5, 2024. The aptly named theme this year is “Heroes of Ruidoso.” Watch the parade through Midtown at 10 a.m. This festival promises plenty of food, drinks, and autumn fun at Wingfield Park.
Check the Discover Ruidoso website for more events, including musical performances at many venues around town. Come celebrate Ruidoso’s recovery!
Causes Of The Ruidoso Fires
The South Fork Fire was caused by a lightning strike, as confirmed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Meanwhile, the cause of the Salt Fire remains under investigation, with the FBI offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to those responsible.
Impact And Aftermath Of The South Fork Fire
The fires and subsequent flooding impacted around 1,400 structures and claimed the lives of two people. In response to the disaster, the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management offers debris removal services to fire and flood victims.
Meanwhile, the Village of Ruidoso advises that Upper Canyon, Flume Canyon, and Black Forest areas remain under a “do not drink” order for water. Additionally, FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance for eligible households in Lincoln and Otero counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
Community Response And Support
The Village of Ruidoso has a running list of dropoff and distribution sites for donations, encouraging the community to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts. Resources are available for those affected by the fires, offering much-needed support during recovery. Check the village of Ruidoso disaster recovery website for a list of resources and ongoing recovery updates.
Recovery And Rebuilding Efforts
The Forest Service, Lincoln County, and the Mescalero Apache Reservation are collaborating to respond to the fires and support recovery efforts. Ongoing efforts include addressing hazard signage requests, structural assessments, cultural heritage preservation, and hydrological modeling. The Village of Ruidoso advises residents to exercise caution as emergency personnel and utility workers continue restoring services. Critical safety measures remain to ensure public and firefighter safety as recovery efforts persist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Ruidoso
Q: Have the fires in Ruidoso been contained?
A: Yes, fire containment efforts were successful, and the village is ready to welcome visitors.
Q: What caused the fire in Ruidoso?
A: The South Fork Fire was caused by a lightning strike, as confirmed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Meanwhile, the cause of the Salt Fire remains under investigation
Q: Is it safe to go to Ruidoso right now?
A: Yes, it’s safe to visit Ruidoso, but public safety remains high on everyone’s mind. Visitors and locals need to be aware that weather and road conditions can change quickly in burn scar areas. Check local news for updates.
Q: How many homes were lost in the Ruidoso fire?
A: About 500 homes were lost in the South Fork and Salt fires.
