That fire burned 17,569 acres, destroyed more than 1,400 structures and claimed two lives before it was nearly contained in mid-July 2024. The burned slopes left behind changed the risk picture for the village, because ground stripped of vegetation sheds rain far faster than forest does. Lincoln County was then included in a 2025 federal disaster declaration for severe storms, flooding and landslides.
Fire & Water Energy refers callers to outside firms and does not do cleanup itself. If you call (866) 937-3230, we'll try to link you with an independent restoration contractor serving Ruidoso and the surrounding part of Lincoln County. Availability depends on local and regional providers and cannot be promised; see our referral disclosure and how it works.
Wildfire, burn scars and a long list of disaster declarations
The South Fork Fire was first reported around 9:07 a.m. on June 17, 2024, near the Mescalero Apache Reservation, and grew past 15,000 acres by the next day. The nearby Salt Fire burned at the same time, and on June 18 the governor declared a state of emergency for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Evacuation centers opened in Roswell, about 75 miles east, and stretches of Highways 48 and 70 were closed.
Ruidoso is the largest community in Lincoln County, which has been part of 11 FEMA major disaster declarations since 2000. Recent ones include the 2024 South Fork Fire, Salt Fire and flooding declaration (DR-4795) and the 2025 severe storms, flooding and landslides declaration (DR-4886). Earlier entries cover a 2022 wildfire and debris flow event (DR-4652), storm and flood declarations in 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014, a 2011 severe winter storm and extreme cold declaration (DR-1962) and a 2000 severe forest fire (DR-1329).
Smoke, ash and soot cleanup in homes that survived
Houses that were not burned can still carry heavy smoke odor, fine ash in attics and wall cavities, and soot drawn in through vents and gaps. Ash residue can be corrosive and irritating, so it should not simply be swept up dry or vacuumed with a household machine.
Restoration contractors commonly HEPA-vacuum ash, clean or replace contaminated insulation, wash soot from surfaces, clean HVAC ducts and use deodorizing treatments. Learn more about smoke damage cleanup, soot removal and fire damage restoration. For homes that need rebuilding, see property damage reconstruction.
Federal disaster declarations that included Lincoln County
FEMA records show Lincoln County was included in 11 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (5 severe storm, 3 flood, 3 fire, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Ruidoso was affected. The most recent:
- 2025 – Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides (DR-4886)
- 2024 – South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and Flooding (DR-4795)
- 2022 – Wildfires, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Mudflows, and Debris Flows (DR-4652)
- 2014 – Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-4199)
- 2014 – Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-4197)
- 2013 – Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides (DR-4152)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Ruidoso?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Ruidoso property.
Post-fire flooding, debris flows and storm cleanup
Burned soil absorbs little water, so even a moderate storm over a scar can turn into fast-moving water carrying mud, ash, rocks and logs. The fire and flood declarations of 2022, 2024 and 2025 all named flooding, and two of them listed mudflows, debris flows or landslides. Water like that is heavily contaminated and can leave a thick layer of sediment inside a building.
Typical flood cleanup includes digging out mud, removing soaked drywall and flooring, disinfecting and drying. If the water came in through a lower level, basement flood cleanup may also apply.
Leaks and frozen pipes in a mountain village
Not every water problem comes from the burn scar. The county's 2011 severe winter storm and extreme cold declaration is a reminder that freezing temperatures can split pipes in crawlspaces, exterior walls and any home left without heat. Roofs and gutters damaged during fire or storms can also leak once rain returns.
A contractor handling water damage restoration in Ruidoso will generally stop the source, extract water, check moisture inside walls and subfloors and dry the structure. See water damage restoration for an overview.
Mold after floodwater and hidden leaks
Sediment-laden floodwater leaves organic material behind, and wet drywall or insulation that is not removed promptly can grow mold within days. A home that sits empty while owners are away is a particular concern, since a leak may go unnoticed for weeks.
EPA guidance treats less than about 10 square feet of mold as something a homeowner can usually clean with protection. Larger areas, and any mold following contaminated floodwater, are better handled through mold remediation with containment.
Staying safe in Ruidoso during fire and flood season
- Call 911 for fire, injuries, a gas leak or anyone caught by water.
- Follow evacuation orders immediately; in 2024 the whole village was told to leave within hours.
- Stay out of drainages below burn scars during storms and never drive through moving water.
- Wear an N95 respirator, gloves and long sleeves when handling ash or debris.
- Photograph every room and damaged item before cleanup begins.
- Your insurer or agent can explain what your policy covers; coverage depends on its terms.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Ruidoso):
Ruidoso restoration FAQs
Why is flooding worse in Ruidoso since the 2024 fires?
The South Fork and Salt fires removed vegetation over large areas, and burned ground lets rain run off quickly with ash and debris. Lincoln County was included in the 2025 disaster declaration for severe storms, flooding and landslides, showing that the risk continued after the fire.
My house didn't burn, but it smells of smoke. What should I do?
Smoke and fine ash can enter through vents and gaps and settle in insulation, ducts and fabrics. Avoid dry sweeping, ventilate when air quality allows, and consider a contractor who uses HEPA vacuums and odor treatment.
How big was the South Fork Fire?
It burned 17,569 acres, destroyed more than 1,400 structures and caused two deaths. It was started by lightning on June 17, 2024, and was 99% contained by July 15, 2024.
Can I call from Ruidoso Downs, Capitan or Alamogordo?
Yes. Ruidoso Downs, Mescalero, Capitan and Alamogordo, about 46 miles southwest, are within reach of the same phone line. Whether an independent firm can take your job depends on who is serving that area.
Restoration guides
- Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Soot Removal
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Flood Cleanup
- Property Damage Reconstruction
- Mold Remediation