TL/DR –
Full-time local residents of Ruidoso are allowed to return to their homes after the South Fork and Salt Fires and the FBI is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of anyone responsible for the fires. Certain areas had their evacuation status lifted, but restrictions still apply for subdivisions in the original exclusion areas and any other areas affected by the fire. Residents returning should bring a week’s worth of food and water as grocery stores are not fully operational and a boil water advisory is in place.
FBI Assists in South Fork and Salt Fires Investigation, Ruidoso Residents to Return Home
Full-time residents of Ruidoso can return home from Monday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will aid local, state, federal and tribal partners in the investigation of the South Fork and Salt Fires. The FBI is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest/conviction of anyone who started the fires. Yet, second homeowners and tourists must stay away from the fire-affected areas until notified.
Evacuation status for residents of areas accessed via U.S. Highway 380 – Ranches of Sonterra 1, 2, 3, Rancho Ruidoso Valley Estates, and Enchanted Forest, was lifted at 5 p.m. Saturday. They can now return home.
From 8 a.m. Sunday, residents from Ruidoso Downs, Ruidoso Downs to El Valle Loop, Sierra Vista, Sun Valley, and Villa Madonna will be allowed to return, with the evacuation status lifted. Restrictions remain for subdivisions in the original exclusion areas and other fire-affected zones.
In a village social media statement, re-entry is limited to local full-time residents only. Residents should bring a week’s food and drinking water supply as grocery stores are not at full capacity. A boil water advisory is in effect, with a possible mandatory boil water order. Childcare services are currently unavailable.
For more information, visit the Village of Ruidoso website.
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