DHSEM News:
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) in coordination with other state agencies, continue to respond to the communities affected by the multiple fires currently burning in New Mexico.
“To see the State Emergency Response Teamwork in tandem with local, tribal, and county-level emergency responders is incredible,” DHSEM Deputy Secretary Carla Walton said. “This is what we plan for. We pool our resources and respond swiftly to New Mexicans in need.”
State Police confirmed the McBride Fire claimed the lives of two Ruidoso residents attempting to evacuate after the fire started Tuesday from a windblown, downed power line. Power is slowly being restored in Lincoln County but about 5,000 homes remain without power. Nearly 5,000 residents have been evacuated, 34 people are currently housed at the Ruidoso Convention Center makeshift shelter. More than a dozen patients were moved from the Lincoln County Medical Center to the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center in Alamogordo and the Eastern University Medical Center in Clovis. The fire has burned 207 homes and numerous outbuildings along with 5,381 acres.
The Nogal Fire north of Carrizozo in Lincoln County burned six homes and eight outbuildings and forced 50-100 residents to evacuate. A shelter has been set up at the Carrizozo High School. The Nogal Fire was also caused by downed power lines. PNM is making progress on restoring power in the area. At last report, the fire is now 4 percent contained and the initial report of 400 acres was changed to 345 acres.
A prescribed burn caused the Hermit’s Peak Fire burning in the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger Districts of the Santa Fe National Forrest about 12 miles northwest of Las Vegas. More than 7,000 acres have burned, and containment still stands at 10 percent. The Lower Gallinas area has been evacuated. Four people are set up at the shelter located inside the Las Vegas Middle School. More than 300 homes are still without power. The New Mexico State Parks Division has opened Storrie Lake State Park free of charge to displaced residents with travel trailers.
DHSEM is proud of the progress made with the Big Hole Fire. A downed powerline caused the blaze in Belen Monday. It burned one home and 18 outbuildings in addition to nearly 900 acres. It is now 40 percent contained and power has been fully restored. The evacuation centers are now closed.
The following shelter locations remain open:
- Memorial Middle School, 1236 5th St, Las Vegas, NM 87701;
- Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345; and
- Carrizozo High School, 800 D Ave, Carrizozo, NM 88301.
Those affected by the fires who need assistance should call the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at 1-800-432-2080. Press #2 for information or resources related to the fires. Press #4 for information regarding property damage due to the fires and other fire related questions. The latest information on wildfire and smoke activity is available through the New Mexico Fire Information website at https://nmfireinfo.com/.
The Community Foundation of Lincoln County (CFLC) has set up a PayPal account for those affected by the McBride and Nogal Fires. According to the foundation website (www.CFOLC.org) the money will go those who need immediate assistance. Checks will also be accepted payable to the CFLC and “shelter fund” written on the memo line. Checks may be dropped off at the Condotel Building at 1103 Mechem Dr. in Ruidoso or mailed to PO Box 2750, Ruidoso, NM 88355.
Another update will be provided after 4 p.m. Friday, April 15.
About DHSEM:
DHSEM works to protect the people of New Mexico and the nation through a comprehensive and coordinated program of mitigating hazards, preparing for emergencies, preventing attacks, and recovering from disasters. The New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office is part of DHSEM beginning July 1, 2021.
