2024 Wildfires
Healthcare Assistance
People impacted by the wildfires who need healthcare assistance should call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). The hotline operates weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The hotline can help find medical providers, behavioral health support and provide assistance in helping patients get needed medications.
Providers treating those impacted by the wildfires who need support from the state should also call the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
SNAP EBT Benefit Replacement
People impacted by the South Fork and Salt fires will have until July 17, 2024, to report their food loss due to the disaster and request a replacement of their regular SNAP food benefits. For added convenience, HSD has established a temporary field office at the Roswell Civic Center, 912 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201. Staff is available onsite from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enroll New Mexicans in Medicaid and SNAP.
To qualify for replacement of SNAP benefits, the household must:
- Report the food loss, verbally or in writing, to the Human Services Department no later than July 17, 2024.
- Live in one of the following affected Zip codes: 88312, 88345, 88355, 88346, 88340
New Mexicans who receive SNAP or cash benefits can get a replacement EBT card by downloading the FIS EBT Edge app, visiting www.ebtedge.com, calling the FIS card service call center at 1-800-843-8303, contacting HSD at 1-800-283-4465, or by visiting any HSD field office in the state.
Disaster Recovery Resource Center Now Open
The State of New Mexico’s Disaster Case Managers are available alongside more State agencies coordinate resources for those impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires. You can sign up with the State of New Mexico to receive both immediate and long-term recovery resources.
Roswell Convention & Civic Center
912 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201
7-days per week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
State Wildfire 24/7 Hotline
For questions about the South Fork and Salt Fires, and resources available, you can call 1-833-NMFIRE6 (1-833-663-4736).
For questions for the New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance, call 1-833-485-1336.
REunification
If you are having difficulty locating a missing loved one due to a disaster event, please call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) for reunification support.
How Can you Help?
In partnership with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, the Greatest Needs Impact Fund is currently directing efforts to Lincoln and Otero counties. This fund provides financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people, animals, and places affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern New Mexico. The fund is also supported by the ongoing Shelter Fund, New Mexico Wildfire Relief Fund, and Emergency Action Fund held within the Albuquerque Community Foundation. Our hearts are with our communities and neighbors in Lincoln and Otero. Those wishing to contribute can do so here.
Latest News & Executive Orders
To view the latest news releases and executive orders please visit the 2024 wildfire newsroom.
Federal Resources
Individuals in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Tribe who have been affected by the South Fork and Salt fires can apply for assistance from FEMA through the following ways:
- Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Call the FEMA application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
- Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain time. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
- To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
Shelters are available at the following locations
- Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center 28 Carrizo Canyon Rd. Mescalero NM 88340
- Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Gymnasium 52B University Blvd. Roswell, NM 88203
- NMMI Godfrey Center 101 W. College Blvd. Roswell NM 88201
- Mescalero Apache Community Center 108 Central Ave. Mescalero NM 88340-CLOSED
- Capitan High School 519 Smokey Bear Rd. Capitan NM 88316
- Carrizozo High School 800D Ave. Carrizozo NM 88301
- Christ Community Church 2960 Scenic Dr. Alamogordo NM 88310
- Church on the Move 9001 W Brasher Rd. Roswell NM 88203
- Church on the Move, Dream Center 2700 W Second St. Roswell NM 88201
- ENM Fairgrounds(RVs & large animals) 2500 SE Main St. Roswell NM 88203
- City of Socorro Rodeo Complex (RVs & large animals) 1 Rodeo Dr. Socorro NM 87801-CLOSED
- Roswell Convention Center 900 N Main St. Roswell NM 88201
- Mountain View Church 1300 Cuba Ave Alamogordo NM 88310
- City of Socorro Parks and Recreation Gym 202 McCutcheon Ave. Socorro NM 87801-CLOSED
- St. Johns Catholic Church 506 S. Lincoln Ave. Roswell NM 88203
- La Gracia De Jesucristo 1714 W. 2nd St. Roswell NM 88201
- White Mountain Recreation Complex 687 Hull Rd. Ruidoso NM 88345
Information for livestock and other animals
Be sure to check out the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s hay and pasture contact page at https://nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/hay-and-pasture-contacts.html.
HAY DONATIONS FOR LIVESTOCK IMPACTED BY SOUTH FORK AND SALT FIRES:
Your willingness to help is appreciated! If you have gathered hay to help livestock affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires, please complete the online form on the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Hay and Pasture Contact page at https://nmdeptag.nmsu.edu/hay-and-pasture-contacts.html, or call the Agro Guard hotline at 575-646-9191. Please hold your donations until you have been notified that distribution has been coordinated.
PET FOOD DONATIONS FOR COMPANION ANIMALS AFFECTED BY SOUTH FORK AND SALT FIRES:
Your willingness to help is appreciated! Small donations of pet food for companion animals (e.g. cats, dogs) affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires can be sent to Salvation Army Roswell Armory, located at 612 W. College Blvd. Large donations of pet food should be sent to a food bank or pet rescue.
LIVESTOCK EVACUATION SITES:
** indicates site also accepts small companion animals such as dogs, cats and chickens.
- **New Mexico State Fairgrounds: Call 505-238-3478
- **Chaves County Fairgrounds: Call 575-420-3838
- Curry County Fairgrounds: Call 575-309-3851
- Eddy County Fairgrounds: Call 575-308-2367
- Eddy County Sheriff’s Posse: Call 575-499-3260
- Lea County Fairgrounds: Call 575-333-0252
- **Lincoln County Fairgrounds: Call 575-849-1015
- Mescalero Rodeo Grounds: Call 575-464-9878
- Sierra County Sheriff’s Posse: Call 575-491-9255
- Socorro County Fairgrounds: Call 575-418-7428
- Sunland Park Race Track: Call 915-204-0887
- Zia Park Race Track: Call 717-460-8774
MOVEMENT OF LIVESTOCK FROM EVACUATION SITES WITHIN DISTRICT 20:
Livestock within District 20 may be transported from their evacuation sites at the owners’ discretion, provided that evacuation notices have been lifted for the animals’ home destination. Horses from within District 20 re-entering Ruidoso Downs Race Track are required to have race track credentials and health papers.
MOVEMENT OF LIVESTOCK FROM EVCUATION SITES OUTSIDE OF DISTRICT 20
Livestock outside of District 20 require inspection by the New Mexico Livestock Board before being transported from their evacuation sites. Evacuation notices must be lifted for the animals’ home destination. Horses from outside District 20 re-entering Ruidoso Downs Race Track require inspection by the New Mexico Livestock Board. To schedule an inspection, please find your district and respective inspector contact information at https://www.nmlbonline.com/inspectors.
Ready. Set. Go.
The Ready, Set, Go! New Mexico program provides tips and tools to prepare for a wildfire emergency and create a personal action plan.
You’ve Evacuated. Now what?
Experiencing a destructive wildfire can be devastating. This guide was written to help New Mexico communities recover after wildfire.
Donations
Monetary donations allow the teams on the ground to purchase necessary items as needed and prevent wasting items being donated that are not needed. Below are two organizations accepting monetary donations to assist with the South Fork & Salt Fires.
Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico
In partnership with the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, the Greatest Needs Impact Fund is currently directing efforts to Lincoln and Otero counties. This fund provides financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people, animals, and places affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern New Mexico. The fund is also supported by the ongoing Shelter Fund, New Mexico Wildfire Relief Fund, and Emergency Action Fund held within the Albuquerque Community Foundation. Our hearts are with our communities and neighbors in Lincoln and Otero.
The Salvation Army
Monetary donations can be made online or by texting RUIDOSO to 51555.
Those wishing to donate via check can mail checks to:
The Salvation Army Roswell Corps Community Center
Attn: Ruidoso Fire Relief
PO Box 897
Roswell, NM 88202-0897
Please designate, “Ruidoso Fire Relief” on the memo line. Donors can rest assured that checks designated for “Ruidoso Fire Relief” will be used to directly support the relief effort.
If you prefer to donate items, rather than funds, donations of new items are being accepted from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at the Roswell Armory, located at 1 W. Earl Cummings Loop in nearby Roswell, New Mexico, where The Salvation Army serves the surrounding area from its corps community center.
DONATIONS ACCEPTED:
- Personal hygiene items
- Baby items
- Linens and blankets
- Socks and underwear
- Bottled water and sports drinks
- Nonperishable snack items
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Cleaning supplies
- Toys and games
The following items will NOT be accepted:
- Used items of any kind
- Household items
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Prepared meals
Fire Prevention
Please click the links below for information to protect your home from wildfires, evacuation preparedness etc.
Agricultural & Livestock Resources
Please click the links below for information such as animal shelter locations, evacuating livestock, USDA recovery program support etc.
Helpful Resources
Please click the links below for information such as housing support, evacuating livestock, USDA program support etc.
- New Mexico State and Federal Wildfire Resources – English
- New Mexico State and Federal Wildfire Resources – Spanish
- After Wildfire Resource Guide
- Housing Resource
- Potential Federal Resources
- Q&A Regarding Post‐Wildfire Debris Removal and Disposal October 2022
Wildfire season is here. Pack a go-bag and keep it Near!
it is vital to have an emergency kit and an Evacuation plan in place for you and your family
Whether you live in the wildland-urban interface or in a rural area in the mountains, communication is key during wildfire season. Be sure to register with your local government’s emergency management office for text or email notifications and connect with your county or city’s social media. The Ready, Set, Go! New Mexico program provides tips and tools to prepare for a wildfire emergency and create a personal action plan.
Ready – Get Ready
- Create a family disaster plan that includes meeting locations and communication plans and rehearse it regularly. Include the evacuation of large animals, such as horses, in your plan.
- Put together an emergency supply kit or go-bag. The NM Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s Preparedness Guide is a good resource for items to include. Keep an extra kit in your vehicle. Don’t forget important family documents like birth certificates, wills, deeds and insurance policies.
The 6 Ps checklist:
- People and pets
- Papers, phone numbers and important documents
- Prescriptions, vitamins and eyeglasses
- Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
- Personal computer hard drive and disks
- “Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash
Set – Be Prepared to Go
- Monitor fire weather conditions and fire status. See inciweb.nwcg.gov and nmfireinfo.com. Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for updates and check official information sources on the internet
- Have an evacuation plan for your family and pets in place, and make sure all family members have a copy of evacuation and contact information.
- Load your supplies and go-bags in your vehicle.
Go – Act Early, Evacuate
- Do not wait to be advised to leave if there is a possible threat to your home or evacuation route. Leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. If you are advised to leave by local authorities, do not hesitate. If you don’t follow the Go order, understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you.
- Head to a predetermined location in a low-risk area, such as a relative’s house, Red Cross shelter or evacuation center, motel or school. Identify several routes in case your first choice is closed due to the fire.
Helpful Resources
After Wildfire Resource Guide
Experiencing a destructive wildfire can be devastating. This guide was written to help New Mexico communities recover after wildfire. It includes information on how to mobilize your community, a list of resources available to communities and individuals for assistance, and a technical guide with information about post-fire treatments to address the catastrophic effects of a wildfire on the land and to prepare for potential flooding. If you are reading this guide before a wildfire occurs, use it to help you plan ahead. This guide is intended to provide useful information during this difficult time, and to start you on the road to recovery.
General Resources
HELP NM – provides financial assistance to those who lack a fixed or inadequate residence and currently reside in a shelter, transitional housing or hotel.
NM Crisis and Access Line – Professional counselors and peer support.
NM Children Youth and Families Department – provides an array of prevention, intervention, rehabilitative and after-care services to New Mexico children and their families