Ruidoso Fire Update: Everything You Need to Know

Situation Overview

The Ruidoso Fire, which ignited on May 11, 2022, in the Lincoln National Forest, has scorched over 17,998 acres and is currently 65% contained. The fire has forced the evacuation of over 6,000 residents and destroyed numerous structures.

Firefighting Efforts

Over 1,000 firefighters are currently battling the blaze, utilizing air and ground resources. The U.S. Forest Service has deployed multiple air tankers and helicopters to drop water and retardant on the fire. Firefighters are also constructing containment lines and conducting burnout operations to prevent the fire from spreading.

Evacuations and Shelters

Evacuations remain in place for several areas affected by the fire. Residents in the following areas should evacuate immediately:

• Upper Canyon
• Midway
• Sudderth
• Alto
• Capitan
• Lincoln
• Smokey Bear

Evacuation centers have been established at the following locations:

• Ruidoso Convention Center
• Fort Stanton Recreation Center
• Lincoln County Fairgrounds

Damage Assessment

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office reports that the fire has destroyed at least 230 structures, including homes, businesses, and ranches. The total value of the damage is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.

Financial Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved individual assistance for residents affected by the fire. Eligible individuals can apply for financial assistance to cover expenses such as temporary housing, repairs, and replacement property.

Effective Strategies

To effectively combat wildfires, consider the following strategies:

• Defensible Space: Create a safety zone around your property by clearing brush, removing flammable materials, and maintaining vegetation.
• Fire Smart Landscaping: Replace flammable plants with fire-resistant species and choose non-combustible materials for exterior construction.
• Evacuation Plan: Develop a family evacuation plan and practice it regularly. Stay informed about evacuation orders and follow instructions from local officials.
• Fuel Reduction: Participate in community-wide fuel reduction programs that aim to reduce the availability of wildfire fuel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid exacerbating wildfire risk, steer clear of the following common mistakes:

• Ignoring Evacuation Orders: Evacuate immediately when instructed to do so.
• Driving into Fire Areas: Do not enter evacuated areas or drive through smoke and flames.
• Leaving Fires Unattended: Extinguish campfires and barbecues completely before leaving them.
• Allowing Debris to Accumulate: Clear debris, brush, and other flammable materials from your property.

Pros and Cons of Wildfire Management Techniques

Prescribed Burning:

• Pros:
  • Reduces fuel load and potential for larger wildfires
  • Promotes ecosystem health and biodiversity
• Cons:
  • Air quality concerns
  • Can be challenging to control

Mechanical Thinning:

• Pros:
  • Removes excess vegetation and reduces fuel load
  • Allows for selective logging of high-risk trees
• Cons:
  • High cost and labor-intensive
  • May disturb wildlife habitat

Chemical Treatments:

• Pros:
  • Can effectively kill or retard plant growth
  • Can be used in areas where mechanical thinning is impractical
• Cons:
  • Potential environmental impacts
  • May require repeated applications

Call to Action

Wildfires pose a significant threat to our communities and ecosystems. By implementing effective strategies, avoiding common mistakes, and supporting fire management efforts, we can all contribute to wildfire preparedness and safety.

Table 1: Evacuation Information

Table 2: Damage Assessment

Table 3: Firefighting Resources

Additional Resources for Fire Updates and Assistance:

• Lincoln County Sheriff's Office: (575) 648-2323
• Ruidoso Fire Department: (575) 378-4300
• New Mexico Forestry Division: (505) 476-3200
• FEMA Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov