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A new national forecast warns that above-normal wildfire risk will exist through most of New Mexico by April. Meanwhile, federal cuts could leave one-third of the state without dispatchers to monitor for nascent blazes and fewer firefighters to respond if they blow up.silver

As several fires continue to burn in the Los Angeles area, New Mexico deployed personnel and equipment to California Thursday.

Water dominated many news stories in New Mexico in 2024 as the state looks ahead to a drier future.

Though the flames may be out from this summer's Salt and South Fork wildfires in southern New Mexico, damage to property and the local economy remain. During a legislative committee meeting Wednesday, Ruidoso-area leaders discussed their community’s challenges, but also its resilience.

At least ten fire victims have received letters saying that extensive claims for property damage could not be substantiated.

After days of rain, Ruidoso is in recovery mode from wildfires and flash flooding on burn scars. Meanwhile cleanup is ongoing and some roads remain closed. And federal officials and the local community foundation have started getting money out to residents.

Attorney General Raúl Torrez has made good on a pledge last week to investigate alleged price gouging at hotels where victims of wildfires in Southern New Mexico sought shelter. Torrez issued cease and desist letters to six properties Wednesday.

State and federal officials held a virtual town hall Tuesday night to update victims of the South Fork and Salt Fires and subsequent flooding on available disaster assistance. Residents were encouraged to apply broadly and persevere through red tape as recovery gets underway.

Federal officials are hopeful a temporary drinking water system will be in place this week for the city of Las Vegas, N.M. The 13,000 people there have been rationing water for two weeks now.

New Mexico’s Office of the Superintendent of Insurance regulates the industry in the state and two bureau chiefs are in Ruidoso helping victims of the South Fork and Salt Fires navigate the long process of recovery.