State completes debris removal from over 550 properties

Fire and flood impacted residents in Lincoln County

SANTA FE – The state of New Mexico’s full-service debris removal program has cleared fire and flood debris from 564 properties impacted by the South Fork fire, Salt fire and flooding in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache.

Almost 900 property owners have signed up for the program, and with more than half of those properties completed, a total of 205,218 cubic yards of fire and flood debris has been removed. That includes 173,540 pounds of household hazardous waste, nearly 10,000 hazardous trees, vegetative debris, construction debris, and contaminated soils and ash.

“Through close collaboration with local officials and support form our federal partners, we have been able to help hundreds of property owners take the first step in rebuilding their lives after these devastating fires and floods,” said Ali Rye, State Director of DHSEM. “The state will continue to provide this service and is committed to supporting the community through the entire recovery process.”

The program became available for impacted residents in July 2024 following the South Fork and Salt fires and the flooding that occurred after. Through this federally funded, state coordinated program, property owners can have fire and flood debris removed from their property at no cost to the owners.

Property owners who have signed up for debris removal and would like to check the status of their property can call 505-670-4462. More information about the program is available on DHSEM’s website.