2024 Wildfires
Disaster SNAP Benefits
New Mexicans affected by flooding in San Juan and Rio Arriba counties may be eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.
Those affected can apply for D-SNAP August 12-16 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., August 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and August 19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Approximately 127,000 residents of San Juan and Rio Arriba counties were impacted and may be eligible to apply for D-SNAP benefits. The current Presidential Disaster Declaration has been expanded to include community members who live or work in San Juan or Rio Arriba County in the identified zip codes: 87548, 87510, 87537, 87566, 87037, 87364, 87401, 87402, 87410, 87412, 87413, 87415, 87416, 87417, 87418, 87419, 87420, 87421, 87455, 87461, and 87499.
Impacted residents can apply for D-SNAP at the following locations:
- San Juan County HCA Office, 101 W. Animas, Farmington, NM 87401
- Rio Arriba County HCA Office, 228 Paseo de Onate Street, Espanola, NM 87532
Residents unable to drive to the D-SNAP locations may call 1-800-283-4465, 7 a.m. to 6 :30 p. m. Monday-Friday to apply by phone, document their case, and verbally attest their information.
To be eligible, residents may qualify if their home or belongings were damaged or destroyed or have experienced a loss or reduction in income and have unreimbursed disaster-related expenses, due to the disaster. Eligible households will receive one month of D-SNAP benefits to purchase groceries at SNAP-authorized stores or select online retailers. These benefits will be deposited onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, allowing applicants to use it like a debit card at authorized retailers.
Additionally, participating SNAP households in the impacted areas, not already receiving the maximum benefit amount for their household size will automatically receive a supplement to increase their benefits to the monthly SNAP allotment for one month.
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).
Driver's License, Placards, title and registration replacements
The New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division will be issuing replacement driver’s licenses, placards, and titles and registrations.
Contractor Fraud
FEMA does not license or certify contractors. FEMA does recommend using a local licensed contractor, someone who is known in the community. Out-of-town scam artists may be the first to arrive at your front door after a disaster. Do your research to find out if a potential contractor is licensed to work in New Mexico, contact the New Mexico Construction Industries Division at rld.nm.gov/CID or call them at (505) 222-9801.
Disaster Recovery Resource Centers Now Open
The State of New Mexico’s Disaster Case Managers are available alongside more State and Federal agencies to 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.
Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday
Horton Complex
237 Service Rd. Ruidoso NM 88345
State Wildfire Hotline
For questions about the South Fork and Salt Fires, and resources available, you can call 1-833-NMFIRE6 (1-833-663-4736).
White Mountain Relief Shelter is open
The shelter will provide meals, showers, laundry services and private housing rooms. The shelter is ready to begin intake for those who cannot stay in their homes due to the fire or flooding.
687 Hull Rd. Ruidoso NM 88345
Latest News & Executive Orders
To view the latest news releases and executive orders please visit the 2024 wildfire newsroom.
Watch the recording of the July 2 Virtual Recovery Town Hall below.
Federal Resources
Individuals in Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, and San Juan counties including 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.
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is August 19, 2024.
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.
The Roswell Armory
1 W Earl Cummings Loop
Roswell, NM 88203
8:00 am – 5:00
7 days a week
The Salvation Army Roswell Corps is distributing donations at:
The Salvation Army Roswell Corps
612 W College Blvd
Roswell, NM 88201
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
7 days
DONATIONS ACCEPTED – NEW ITEMS ONLY
Personal hygiene items
Baby items
Linens & blankets
New undergarments – socks & underwear
Toys or games
Bottled water | sports drinks
Nonperishable snack items
Paper products – TP & paper towels – Cleaning supplies
No household items, appliances or furniture
No prepared meals
**WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT ANY USED CLOTHING DONATIONS AT THIS TIME**
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