7-02-2024 6:34am

Over 100 People Rescued from Flooding, 84% Fire Containment Near Ruidoso New Mexico

Chris Edwards Editor

If one drives in Ruidoso on can’t help but get a car covered with soot and a thick dark mud as a result of fire damage and now flooding. Locals of the Mescalero Apache Tribe along with residents of the areas around Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs are now contending with not only fire cleanup but also mud clearing due to major flash flooding from the weekend continuing into Monday evening.

The marketing team for the area had taken on the slogan to “Discover Ruidoso - Later” asking for at least a week for major cleanup.

In response to the ongoing South Fork and Salt Fires, FEMA has established Disaster Recovery Assistance Centers in Ruidoso and Roswell.

Disaster Survivor Assistance Team Locations:

White Mountain Relief Center Address: 687 Hull Road, Ruidoso, NM 88345 Hours: Sunday to Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Horton Complex, Address: 237 Service Road, Ruidoso, NM 88348 (Located behind District Court), Hours: Sunday to Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Disaster Recovery Centers:
Disaster Recovery Center #01, Address: 912 North Main Street, Roswell, NM 99201
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Disaster Recovery Center #02 (Opening Tuesday, July 2, 2024), Address: 237 Service Road, Ruidoso, NM 88348 (Located behind District Court), Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

More Information:
https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/news-info/j95w7ayyd6ker5stj6ty5xf2cba3th

Flash flooding remains an ongoing post-fire hazard. Shelter is available at White Mountain Relief Center, 687 Hull Road. The Red Cross has a fully functioning operation there with shelter and food service. Please proceed to the large white tent at the entrance. Tune in to 1490 AM—The Mountain for more information.

The New Mexico Army National Guard has rescued several people who were stranded as flooding hit Ruidoso this weekend.

On Saturday, members of the New Mexico Army National Guard rescued 4 elderly residents from Ruidoso. Minutes after that rescue took place, the water rose 6 feet and flooded the evacuated home.

As flash flooding rushed through Ruidoso on Sunday, the National Guard rescued at least 100 people out of flooded areas in Ruidoso according to reports via KOAT.

Near the horse track Rio Ruidoso runs through the middle of the track; traveling beneath the clubhouse turn, into the infield, under the far turn, and through the barn area. Flooding of the track is not uncommon, especially during the summer monsoon season. The severity of flooding varies by the year.

Flood water and debris overtopped its banks as it traveled downstream and spilled onto the racetrack Saturday. The damage was mostly contained to the backstretch and clubhouse turn of the Thoroughbred track. The Quarter Horse straightaway, which is between the Thoroughbred track and grandstand, was unaffected.

Quarter Horse racing may be halted for the short term," spokesman Trejo said. "The commission is looking to have HISA come in and do some tests on the racing surface until we feel comfortable to put Thoroughbreds out there."

As the South Fork and Salt Fires continue to challenge firefighting efforts in the Ruidoso and Mescalero areas, the community faces new threats from severe flooding triggered by recent heavy rains. Today's update underscores the collaborative efforts of emergency crews in mitigating both fire containment and flood risks. Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed through designated emergency contacts and official channels, ensuring preparedness amidst evolving weather conditions. This update provides essential details on the current fire status, safety advisories, closures, and resources available to support community resilience during this challenging time.

Recent rains suppressed remaining heat sources; crews focus on charring downed logs within control lines. Structure assessments are near completion; suppression repair is ongoing per New Mexico Fire and Ruidoso officials.

Closures and Restrictions:

South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order in effect since June 20, 2024, for Smokey Bear Ranger District. Details: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices/?aid=88199
Mescalero Apache Tribe issued Class V/Stage II – Extreme Fire Restriction Notice on June 28, 2024. Details: https://mescaleroapachetribe.com
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and drone flight prohibitions over fire area. Visit https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.htmlfor updates.

Additional Information:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmmea-south-fork-and-salt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/430b2c05
Lincoln County Government: www.lincolncountynm.gov
Mescalero Apache Tribe: https://mescaleroapachetribe.com
Village of Ruidoso: www.ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire

For ongoing updates and detailed information, please visit the provided links or contact the respective emergency centers. Stay informed and stay safe.