Enchantment State News

Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation due to the South Fork Fire and Salt Fires. These wildfires, which began yesterday, have damaged over 500 structures and necessitated the evacuation of the entire Village of Ruidoso. Further evacuations in nearby communities are possible as the fires have consumed nearly 20,000 acres and remain uncontained.

The governor's declaration aims to mobilize additional funding and resources to manage the crisis. The cause of the fires is still under investigation.

"The horrific South Fork Fire and Salt Fire have ravaged our lands and property, and forced thousands to flee their homes," said Gov. Lujan Grisham. "We are deploying every available resource to control these wildfires, and to provide support to the Village of Ruidoso, the Mescalero Reservation, and surrounding areas. I extend my deepest appreciation to the courageous firefighters battling these blazes, as well as everyone who has pitched in to help a community in crisis. I urge everyone to heed official orders at all times to stay safe."

Key provisions of the executive orders include:

- The State’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) will coordinate all requests for assistance.

- Deployment of National Guard units for military support during this emergency.

- All Cabinet Departments and agencies under gubernatorial control will provide necessary assistance as required by DHSEM or the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The Southern New Mexico Community Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Lincoln County through its Greatest Needs Impact Fund, is directing efforts towards Lincoln and Otero counties. This fund supports immediate and long-term recovery needs for those affected by the wildfires. Contributions can be made through various funds including the Shelter Fund, New Mexico Wildfire Relief Fund, and Emergency Action Fund held within the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

Evacuation shelters for large animals/livestock are available at ENM Fairgrounds in Roswell and Lea County Fairgrounds in Lovington. Shelters for evacuees include:

- The Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center

- Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Gym

- Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds

- New Mexico Military Institute Athletic Center

- Church on the Move locations

- Capitan High School

- Carrizozo High School

- Christ Community Church

The New Mexico Military Institute and Roswell Civic Center are also accepting evacuees with leashed pets.

Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions using guidance from the New Mexico Department of Health's 5-3-1 Visibility Method. More information can be found at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html. Current smoke conditions are available at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

A press conference will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday in Santa Fe, livestreamed on Governor Lujan Grisham's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GovMLG/.