RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – More evacuees started returning to Ruidoso after re-entry efforts began this weekend. Although a list of approved areas was announced, some residents trying to get home have been turned away.
People trying to get back to check on their homes began lining up outside Ruidoso as early as six in the morning. Residents said they were eager to know if their homes were still there finally.
“I don’t have words for the emotion, you know, it’s just a wonder, an angst maybe,” said returning resident Jorge Nevarez. “I don’t know, after a while, you get worrisome and tiresome of just even. So if it’s there, it’s there. If it’s not, it’s not.”
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A week after being forced to evacuate Ruidoso, dozens of cars lined up on Highway 70 Monday morning, filled with people hoping to get inside. The Village of Ruidoso announced evacuation orders were lifted and people within specific areas could return as early as 8:00 a.m.
However, some residents were told their homes were in a closed-off area and would have to turn around. Ray Barela says he left at 5:00 a.m. Monday from Carlsbad to check on his home but was immediately told he couldn’t go in. “I’m confused because you read something that says if you’re a resident, bring your papers, identification and you’ll be good to go. Well, I have all that, they didn’t even look at it,” he said.
According to the Village of Ruidoso, exclusion zones have been set up in areas where there was extensive burn damage. These areas will be opened as authorities have a chance to search for bodies and damage.
The Village of Ruidoso confirmed no active burning in the exclusion zones. Residents trying to return can look up if their homes are in an approved return area on the Village of Ruidoso website.
