06/17/2025
A year ago today, our world changed. The fires and floods that swept through our community left scars we're still healing from, losses we're still mourning, and challenges we're still facing.
In our scariest hours, when evacuation orders came and our community scattered, we learned the true meaning of bravery from our first responders and the true meaning of regional solidarity from our neighbors who didn’t hesitate to lend a hand.
As we reflect, we can’t help but prioritize immense gratitude to our local first responders and those who poured in from across the nation, working with steadfast determination to fight for our community. We also extend unwavering appreciation to the Village of Ruidoso staff who worked around the clock from the Emergency Operations Center, coordinating resources and communications during the most critical hours. And to the countless community stakeholders and individuals who stepped up to create networks of support that carried us through the most hectic days, we express our heartfelt thanks.
Additionally, we thank the surrounding communities who opened their doors without hesitation – taking in our families, our pets, our livestock – you were our lifeline.
To the grassroots organizations who mobilized instantly, to the individuals who drove supplies through the night, to the groups and nonprofits who kept emergency support running with donations of time, money, and essentials – you didn't just help us survive those first critical days and weeks, you reminded us that we were never alone.
Because of all of you, and because of the incredible endurance of our residents, we are HERE! Still standing. Still fighting. Still caring for each other. We are rebuilding. And we are recovering.
To our residents rebuilding - your strength doesn't go unnoticed. We know the process is overwhelming and exhausting, and the mountain of work ahead sometimes feels hopeless, and that's completely understandable.
This work takes time. You're not alone.
As you rebuild, the Village is too, working tirelessly to strengthen the foundation that supports you. Our village officials and employees remain dedicated to repairing and revitalizing the municipal services and infrastructure you depend on every day. And we continue to invest in our vigilant preparedness, so we can face any challenge feeling confident and ready.
This year has been hard work. We’ve learned a lot.
We're not the exact same community we were 365 days ago. But the unexpected kindness – from neighbors, from strangers, from our loyal visitors, who have always stood by our side, and from those who heard we were open and came to visit knowing we needed their support - has shown us that we don’t have to be exactly who and what we were a year ago.
This past May 2025, we welcomed more visitors than we did in May 2024! A wonderful reminder that resilience looks like people choosing to experience the beauty and spirit that disasters can't destroy.
To everyone who stayed, who returned, who chose us, who helped us choose ourselves, thank you. The work isn't finished and neither are we.
Today we remember and continue to thrive. Still We Rise ❤️
https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire-anniversary
📸 Mark Stambaugh
