Staff reports

New Mexicans suffering property damage and other impacts of wildfires have another 60 days to apply for federal disaster relief after a request from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) announced the extension of a due date to apply for benefits to Oct. 19, read a news release.

Relief aid was offered to those in Lincoln and Otero counties impacted by the South Fork and Salt fires which burned about 20,000 acres in the Ruidoso area and led to flooding through south-central New Mexico.

To help repair damages caused by the fires and floods, residents can apply for both assistance through FEMA and small business loans via the Small Business Administration.

“We appreciate our federal partners’ work to help us support New Mexicans who were impacted,” Lujan Grisham said. “Even after the fires tore through these communities, they continue to be affected by the flooding, making it imperative that we give them more time to apply for the help they need to rebuild.”

Here’s how to apply for fire recovery aid.

Visit a relief center

Disaster Resource and Recovery Centers are open Monday thought Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Locations can be found at fema.gov/drc. There is one resource center at 237 Service Road in Ruidoso, and none in Alamogordo or Otero County.

Apply online

Those in need of disaster relief can also apply at www.disasterassistance.gov

Apply over the phone

FEMA’s application phone number is 1-800-621-3362. Calls are accepted daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain Time, and help is available in most languages.

Need debris removed?

The State of New Mexico can remove debris from private property for free. There is no deadline to apply for debris removal. Those interested can sign up for debris removal online via the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.