Non-Local News Releases

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on wildfires that are requiring the attention of tribal, federal, state, and local resources in New Mexico. The South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire are burning on Mescalero tribal land, US Forest Service land, and the area surrounding Ruidoso. Both fires are being managed by Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Complex Incident Management Teams are on order.  

South Fork Fire 

Update: The South Fork Fire is currently estimated at 5,252 acres and zero percent containment.  Fire activity is expected throughout the night due to winds and low relative humidity. Multiple structures are under threat, and unknown number of structures have been lost. 10 Type-1 Hotshot crews are on scene or en route. Tomorrow the incident will be transferred to a Complex Incident Management Team.  

SANTA FE, NM “ The State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (State Parks) announces another series of informational meetings to discuss adjustments to proposed park fees.

"We really appreciated the engagement and participation during the first round of discussions we hosted around the state on our fees adjustment proposal. "We realized that this change to our fees as originally proposed, while long overdue, required some modifications based on feedback received during our initial outreach sessions," said Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director. "We have listened to this feedback and are prepared to inform the public about changes we made in response."

The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on wildfires that are requiring the attention of tribal, federal, state, and local resources in New Mexico. TheSouth ForkFire and the Salt Fire areburning on Mescalero tribal land, near Ruidoso. Both fires are being managed by Mescalero Apache Fire Rescue and Bureau of Indian Affairs. A Complex Incident Management Team is on order.

South Fork Fire

Acres: 360 estimated

Start Date/ Time: June 17, 2024; 9 a.m.

Cause: Under investigation

Location: Rio Ruidoso, west of the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso

Nella for Senate Team spearheads support for New Mexico Fire Victims. 

New Mexico stands together in support of our Lincoln County neighbors.

Albuquerque, NM - The Nella for Senate team is requesting support with donations of much needed items to help the families of Ruidoso and the surrounding areas who are being impacted by the Lincoln County/Mescalero Apache fire.

RUIDOSO, NM - Today, New Mexico House Republican members Harlan Vincent (R-Ruidoso Downs), Jim Townsend (R-Artesia), and Candy Spence Ezzell (R-Roswell) issued the following statement recognizing Fire Fighters and other first responders as the South Fork fire in the Mescalero Apache Reservation in Lincoln County spreads.

"We want to express our appreciation and thanks to all of the first responders who are working to contain the South Fork fire," said Representatives Vincent, Townsend, and Ezzell. "These situations can become extremely dangerous very quickly and require everyone to work together to ensure the safety of the entire community. We are proud to note that the efforts of these First Responders are having a significant impact in helping to limit fire damage. Equally important, we are asking residents in and around the Ruidoso area to be prepared to leave as evacuation orders are updated."

NMDA's Agricultural Workforce Development Program application period opens June 17 

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LAS CRUCES, N.M.  New Mexico-based agricultural businesses may apply for internship funding through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) Agricultural Workforce Development (AWD) Program beginning June 17. 

The goal of the AWD Program is to create opportunities for young and beginning farmers and ranchers, including students, to gain work experience in agriculture that can turn into careers and thus support New Mexico's agricultural future. The program provides incentives to New Mexico agricultural businesses to hire interns. 

Alamogordo, New Mexico The BIG BANG STEM EXPO is slated for Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Tays Special Event Center on the campus of NMSU-A. Join the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation (ISHFF) as we celebrate the best STEM programs in southern New Mexico! We are looking for the area's best STEM related minds-on, hands-on demonstrations and displays for this family friendly, free event. Registration for exhibitors and vendors is now open. 

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Partners with ActivateNM to Launch ActivatOR, an Accelerator for Outdoor Recreation Businesses 

SANTA FE, N.M.  The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the Economic Development Division (EDD) has partnered with CNM Ingenuity's ActivateNM to create ActivatOR Outdoor Recreation Growth Accelerator, a free business accelerator tailored to established outdoor recreation businesses and startups located in or expanding to New Mexico.