US EditionRuidoso Firefighters Jumped Into Action to Save Lives During Flooding
RUIDOSO DOWNS, NEW MEXICO, JUL 10 – The 2024 racing season moves to Albuquerque after historic flooding crested at 20 feet, five feet above last year, damaging the Ruidoso Downs and prompting a 2025 rebuild.
- Severe flash flooding struck Ruidoso and Lincoln County on Tuesday, producing historic floodwaters that reached 20 feet and causing extensive damage to the Downs Racetrack along with surrounding infrastructure.
- The floods resulted from heavy rainfall on burn scars from last year's South Fork and Salt fires, which overwhelmed drainage improvements despite prior storm resilience.
- Ruidoso's small fire department, led by Captain Justin Mize, along with volunteers, rescued dozens trapped by rising waters inside homes where floodwaters reached roofs.
- Recovery crews removed a large volume of soil—around 150,000 cubic yards—to form a basin for floodwater containment and widened the river channel, while the track committed to reconstruction with a focus on prioritizing safety.
- Leaders and community members expressed pride in those who acted swiftly and confirmed a shared commitment to rebuild Ruidoso's critical racetrack and preserve local spirit.
13 Articles
13 Articles
In New Mexico, a Tourist Village Struggles to Rebuild After Flash Flood Kills 3 People
RUIDOSO, N.M.—Entering Stephanie Sheffield’s two-story home by the Rio Ruidoso in the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, feels like stepping into the aftermath of a cyclone. Furniture, clothing, appliances, and other personal belongings are strewn about and overturned as if nature had ransacked the house without mercy. No matter where you walk, there is foul-smelling muck all around—two inches deep in some spots. From the dining room to the family …
Army Times
Military TimesChildren of Fort Bliss soldier die in New Mexico floods
The two young children of a Fort Bliss soldier were killed after being swept up in a flash flood Tuesday, according to the base.The soldier was on approved leave with their spouse and children, ages seven and four, at a recreational vehicle campground near Ruidoso, New Mexico, when tragedy struck.“Our hearts are heavy with grief following this devastating loss,” Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, deputy commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fo…
Ruidoso firefighters jumped into action to save lives during flooding
Ruidoso firefighters jumped into action to save lives during floodingThe small fire department, with just 27 on staff, nonetheless stepped up to save dozens of lives amid the devastation. RUIDOSO, N.M. — The orange X’s bring a little relief. “Just kind of moved stuff around, make sure there’s nobody that was hidden or scared at the time,” said Captain Justin Mize of the Ruidoso Fire Department. That ‘X’ means nobody was left behind in the now de…
Governor Secures Federal Resources For Ruidoso Disaster
From the Office of the Governor: State works with federal partners for additional financial assistance SANTA FE – The state of New Mexico today received partial approval for a federal emergency declaration for flood-damaged communities, providing immediate federal personnel resources to support response and recovery efforts in Ruidoso while work continues to secure additional federal assistance. “This federal declaration is a critical first st…
Ruidoso Downs handler recounts saving horses' lives during historic flooding
RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – The historic floods that swept through Ruidoso damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, including the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino. The sudden floods quickly endangered hundreds of horses located throughout the Downs, but brave employees stepped up to help. The floods on Tuesday brought in more than 20 feet of water, putting race horses that were in their stalls in danger. How to donate to Ruidoso flood victims…
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