Ruidoso, Nogal residents allowed to return home

The majority of people in the Ruidoso and Nogal areas previously ordered to evacuate their homes and properties have been allowed to return, as firefighters reported making significant progress Saturday on containing the two wildfires in Lincoln County.

Village of Ruidoso Public Information Officer Kerry Gladden said that an estimated 4,000 to 4,500 people in Ruidoso had been under mandatory evacuation orders after the two wildfires began April 12.

She said only a small number, about 30 to 40 people, took shelter in the Ruidoso Convention Center, as most people who needed lodging were able to be placed in area hotels and motels.

Most people in the village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs also have had their electricity restored, according to officials. As many as 18,000 customers were without power on April 12. Customers in the Homestead area were expected to get power starting Saturday but could have to wait several more days.

The cause of the Nogal Canyon Fire has been determined to be downed power lines. Six homes or other primary residences have been lost, along with about eight other structures. Ninety firefighters and crewmembers were working on that fire Saturday.

The cause of the McBride Fire is still under investigation. Officials are reporting 207 residences or primary buildings and numerous other structures lost.