RUIDOSO, N.M. – Residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico, affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires will soon be able to return home as the Federal Bureau of Investigation joins the investigation. The FBI is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for starting the fires. Second homeowners and tourists are advised to stay away from the affected areas until further notice.
The evacuation status for full-time residents of certain areas was lifted on Saturday, allowing them to return home by accessing their subdivisions through U.S. Highway 380. Additional areas had their evacuation status lifted on Sunday, including Ruidoso Downs, El Valle Loop, Sierra Vista, Sun Valley, and Villa Madonna. Restrictions remain in place for excluded areas and those impacted by the fires.
Local full-time residents are urged to prepare by bringing at least a week’s worth of food and drinking water, as grocery stores are not fully operational. A boil water advisory is in effect, with a possibility of a mandatory order being issued. Childcare services are currently unavailable in the area.
For more information, residents can visit the Village of Ruidoso website at www.Ruidoso-NM.org. Residents should follow updates and guidelines from local authorities to ensure a safe return to their homes.