Let's Talk New Mexico, 6/20 8am: The South Fork and Salt Fires have destroyed over 21,000 acres as of Wednesday, forcing thousands to evacuate in Southeast New Mexico. The fires together have destroyed at least 1400 structures and at least one person has died. On Let’s Talk New Mexico we will hear from the state's emergency response team, journalists covering the story and from folks looking for friends and loved ones. We want to hear from you! Are you trying to connect with friends and family there? Are you looking for ways to help? Is there information you want to share?
You can leave a voicemail by clicking the button below, email us at LetsTalk@kunm.org or call 505-277-5866 Thursday morning at 8.
Guests:
- Mayor Lynn Crawford of the Village of Ruidoso
- Shaun Griswold, Editor, Source New Mexico
- Danielle Prokop and Leah Romero, Journalists, Source New Mexico
- Jonny Coker, KRWG-FM (Las Cruces)
- New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
RESOURCES:
A temporary phone number on the First Responders Network is in place to circumvent the failed cell phone system in the area. You can call (202) 794-5044 to check on friends, family, or the status of your home.
If you are having difficulty locating a missing loved one due to a disaster event, please call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) for reunification support.
New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management fire resources
Public Information Line: 575-323-8258
South Fork/Salt Fires Information Hub
Shelters are available at the following locations:
· The Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center, 287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero
· Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Gym, 52 B University Blvd.
· Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, 2500 SE Main St., Roswell
· New Mexico Military Institute Athletic Center, 101 W College Blvd., Roswell
· Church on the Move, 901 W. Brasher Rd., Roswell
· Church on the Move Dream Center, 2700 W. Second, Ruidoso
· Capitan High School, 519 Smokey Bear Blvd., Capitan
· Carrizozo High School, 800 D Ave., Carrizozo
· Christ Community Church, 2960 N Scenic Dr., Alamogordo
Animals
- Humane Society of Lincoln County 25962 US-70 Ruidoso NM 88345
- Livestock Shelters: Mescalero Rodeo Grounds, for assistance with transporting livestock and directions call Cloyce Salazar 575-973-1394
- The New Mexico Military Institute, 101 W. College Blvd, and Roswell Civic Center, 912 N. Main Street, are accepting evacuees sheltering with leashed pets.
- VCA is offering boarding at the following two local locations:
- VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center
9901 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
505-292-5353 - VCA West Mesa Animal Hospital
2511 Coors Blvd NW b, Albuquerque, NM 87120
505-836-6048
Additionally, for pet owners bracing for potential evacuation outside of the Ruidoso Village area, here are few reminders of what to pack:
- Food and water for 14 days
- Medication for 14 days
- Leach and collar/harness with ID tags
- Crate/carrier with bedding
- Comfort items such as toys
- Your veterinarian’s info and pet’s medical records
- Pet first aid kit
- Photos of you with your pet
- Cat litter, litter boxes, trash bags
Evacuation of large animals/livestock:
ENM Fairgrounds, 2500 S.E. Main, in Roswell, and Lea County Fairgrounds, 101 S. Commercial Street, Lovington, are offering stable space and RV hookups. Contact Lea County Fairgrounds Director Wyatt Duncan at 575-333-0252.
Financial support
The Southern New Mexico Community Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation of Lincoln County is currently directing efforts to Lincoln and Otero counties through the Greatest Needs Impact Fund. This fund provides financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people, animals, and places affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern New Mexico. The fund is also supported by the ongoing Shelter Fund, New Mexico Wildfire Relief Fund, and Emergency Action Fund held within the Albuquerque Community Foundation. Those wishing to contribute can do so here.
Verified GoFundMe fundraisers to support New Mexico wildfire victims.
Health info
Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at https://nmtracking.doh.nm.gov/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html
Check current smoke conditions in your area here: https://fire.airnow.gov/.
The Albuquerque Area Truama Recovery Network can help with Truama Therapy for those who have suffered from the wildfires. https://www.aatrn.org
Social Media/ Internet:
Incident Map URL: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=e2c6d99f914c44cbb18b75e73beef035
More information about shelters and evacuations can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/villageofruidoso
https://www.facebook.com/mescaleroapachetribe
