Gov. Susana Martinez has declared an emergency due to the increased potential for flooding in areas left bare by wildfires.
She signed the executive order on Thursday following a tour of the area charred by last year's Little Bear Fire near Ruidoso. The fire was the most destructive in the state's recorded history, having destroyed more than 240 homes and other buildings.
Martinez says wildfires can leave a lasting impact on communities long after the flames are out.
With the governor's order, $750,000 will be available to prepare for and to minimize the harm of potential flooding in burn areas.
After the Little Bear Fire, summer rains deposited large amounts of debris in Bonito Lake and contaminated water supplies for the village of Ruidoso and the city of Alamogordo.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.