Debris flows in the Rio Ruidoso made its way to the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack on Saturday, June 29, after days of flash floods. (Courtesy of the National Weather Service Albuquerque)
Debris cleanup from wildfire and intense flash flooding on the South Fork and Salt fires’ burn scars is now available for some Lincoln County property owners around Ruidoso.
New Mexico emergency management officials want to fill 75 spots to cover debris inspection, cleanup, removal and the costs for those services.
The program is currently open to Lincoln County residents that own property, but the state is working to add the Mescalero Apache Tribe to the agreement, said New Mexico Homeland Security and Emergency Management spokesperson Danielle Silva.
For people that sign up and are accepted, the state emergency department will hire third-party contractors to fully remove all debris or offer a curbside pickup if people remove it from their property with their own energy.
“Full-service debris removal is preferred, because it is a little bit safer,” Silva said. “There are obviously some hazards that come with digging through debris and ash from a fire, so if people decide to do curbside, we really want them to have some PPE, and to take some safety precautions,” she said.
The program is limited to property owners.
In order to sign up, the property owner needs to submit a right-of-entry form. The state should then verify property ownership in Lincoln county and then send federal inspectors to the site.
After 75 properties are signed up, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which runs the federal arm of the debris cleanup program, estimates contractors could be on the ground within 7 to 9 days to start cleanup.
After the first phase, the state will then conduct site visits, and hire additional contractors for a second phase to haul waste away.
It’s unclear when debris removal will begin, due to continued rains, and the threshold of properties needing debris removal.
If property owners have insurance coverage for debris removal, they must notify the state.
Insurance coverage will not disqualify a person from the program, but part of the insurance payment may need to be submitted to the state, according to a press release for the program.
Silva recommended that people applying for the program try to fill out the 11-page forms in-person, where disaster case managers can assist with the paperwork. There are three offices, one in Roswell, the other in Ruidoso and a third in Mescalero.
More information
Office locations for in-person help for debris removal are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. including for the July 4 holiday.
- Roswell Civic & Convention Center, 912 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201
- Horton Complex, 237 Service Rd. Ruidoso NM 88345
- Mescalero Apache School, 249 White Mountain Dr, Mescalero, NM 88340.
For help securing an in-person appointment call 1-833-663-4736
The form can also be downloaded at the DHSEM website , completed on the computer and emailed to DHSEM-DCM@dhsem.nm.gov.
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