RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – Ruidoso wildfire evacuees have a new way to check on their homes using the web. The Village of Ruidoso and county officials have launched an interactive map that allows people to see images of their property.
“This link gives them the opportunity to kind of get a heads-up idea of what they’re coming back to or not coming back to,” stated Lincoln County Emergency Management Specialist Michael Scales.
After the South Fork and Salt Fires forced evacuations in Ruidoso, thousands were left wondering if their properties were affected.
On Monday, Ruidoso residents were allowed back, but some people were turned away because their homes were located in “Exclusion Zones,” where the fires caused extensive damage.
All Exclusion Zones and no Re-Entry limitations have since been lifted. Officials are hoping the interactive map will give people a way to check on their homes without having to make a long drive.
“Because there are several folks that traveled a couple hundred miles away and still haven’t been able to come back to the area yet, and they’re very concerned about the status of their property,” explained Scales. He said they’ve had people come back to Ruidoso who found their homes, and others weren’t so lucky.
“You come back, and drive into your driveway, and there’s nothing there. It’s really disheartening. So, this kind of gives everyone an easier way of finding information,” stated Scales.
The interactive map allows residents to type in their address to see photos of the neighborhood. It was developed by FEMA Search and Rescue Teams who took photos while using GPS. Scales said Walmart and Albertsons are back open, but the town still has a lot of work to do before they’re back to normal.
“It’s going to be a long rebuild, but it is a start,” says Scales.
The interactive map for Lincoln County should be up and running on Sunday. The Village of Ruidoso asks the public to call the Emergency Operations Center if they have questions or need assistance using the interactive map.
