EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a “state of emergency” for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation because of the wildfires that have impacted the area, her office announced on Tuesday, June 18.
The declaration will allow for more funding and resources to be used to manage the fires, which have impacted 500 structures and forced evacuations including the entire Village of Ruidoso.
These wildfires, which ignited Monday, have damaged more than 500 structures and led to the evacuation of the entire Village of Ruidoso. Further evacuations in nearby communities are possible, according to the Governor’s Office.
The fires have consumed nearly 20,000 acres and are currently 0% contained.
“The magnitude of the fires is beyond local control and requires immediate state intervention to protect public health, safety and welfare. The governor’s emergency declaration unlocks additional funding and resources to manage this crisis. The fires’ cause remains under investigation,” the Governor’s Office said in a news release.
Here is what the governor had to say. She will also be holding a news conference at 4 p.m. Tuesday in Santa Fe to discuss the fires.
“I want to update New Mexicans on actions I’ve taken to ensure that the Village of Ruidoso, the Mescalero Apache Reservation and other affected areas have all available resources to battle the devastating South Fork and Salt Fires and provide for a community in crisis.
“This morning, I declared a State of Emergency in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation, authorizing additional funding and resources to manage this crisis. Yesterday, I deployed the National Guard to the area to assist as needed during this emergency. This morning, we released additional funding to boost our National Guard presence. I’ve also deployed additional State Police to the scene to assist with traffic, patrols in the burned areas and other tasks.
“I remain in constant communication with the state, federal and tribal authorities on the ground. We are organizing a news conference at 4 p.m. today in Santa Fe. I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have responded to the call of our fellow New Mexicans in need. I also want to remind everyone in the Ruidoso area to heed the instructions of authorities who are doing their best to keep you safe. This is a challenging moment for our state, but together we will manage this crisis.”
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