EL PASO, Texas — Residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico, who were evacuated due to ongoing wildfires in the area, will be allowed to return starting Monday, June 24, 2024, following an announcement by Mayor [Name] . This decision comes after authorities assessed the safety of various neighborhoods and lifted evacuation orders for several key areas.

Areas Open for Re-entry

As of Sunday, June 23, 2024, residents from the following areas can return to their homes:

• Ruidoso Downs
• Ruidoso Downs to El Valle Loop
• Sierra Vista
• Sun Valley
• Villa Madonna

The re-entry process is specifically designated for local, full-time residents at this time. Mayor [Name] emphasized that second homeowners and tourists should refrain from entering the area temporarily to allow residents ample time to assess property damage and fulfill essential needs.

Essential Considerations for Returning Residents

Residents planning to return are advised to prepare adequately for potential challenges:

• Basic Supplies: It is recommended to bring at least a week’s worth of food and drinking water, as local grocery stores are not operating at full capacity following the evacuation period.
• Utility Status: Many homes may still lack essential utilities such as gas, electricity, and water. Residents are encouraged to check outage maps available at PNM.com and ZNGC.com for updates on service restoration.
• Health Precautions: Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, are cautioned about potential air quality issues due to lingering ash, smoke, and soot in the atmosphere.
• Boil Water Advisory: A boil water advisory remains in effect post-disaster, affecting several areas. Residents should adhere to precautionary measures until further notice.

Evacuation Status Updates

As of Saturday, June 22, 2024, evacuation orders were lifted for additional areas, including:

• Must Access Subdivisions Through US HWY 380
• Rancho Ruidoso Valley Estates
• Enchanted Forest
• Ranches of Sonterra 1, 2, and 3

However, certain subdivisions within exclusion zones are still under evacuation orders due to ongoing risks posed by the wildfires. These areas include:

• High Mesa Subdivision
• Lakeside Estates Subdivision
• Cedar Creek Subdivision
• Alpine Village Subdivision
• Musketball Court
• Eagle Creek Acres
• Ski Run Road
• Barney Luck Subdivision
• Gavilan West
• Allan P. Aschoff Subdivision

Residents are advised to stay informed about their specific neighborhood’s status through official channels and adhere to safety directives.

Fire Containment Efforts

Recent updates from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team indicate progress in containing the wildfires:

• The South Fork fire is now reported to be 26% contained.
• The Salt fire has achieved 7% containment.

Over 1,100 personnel are actively engaged in firefighting operations to mitigate further risks to the community despite ongoing challenges.

For additional information, concerned residents can contact the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Phone Bank at 575-258-6900 or visit the Village of Ruidoso’s official website at www.Ruidoso-NM.org.

Conclusion: Moving Forward After the Wildfires

As Ruidoso cautiously reopens its doors to returning residents amidst ongoing firefighting efforts, the community remains vigilant. Residents are urged to prioritize safety, monitor local advisories, and support ongoing recovery initiatives. The road to full recovery will require continued resilience and community support in the days ahead.

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