DHSEM News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) impresses upon New Mexicans displaced by the McBride and Nogal Fires in Lincoln County to stay away from burned out areas until it is safe to return.

New Mexico State Police (NMSP) and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department have set up 8 checkpoints around the Ruidoso area and 1 checkpoint near Nogal Canyon on NM37. In addition, NMSP and the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office are managing 3 checkpoints near the Hermit’s Peak Fire 12 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Residents are not permitted inside burned areas at this time.

“We know people going through this devastating and emotional time want to collect their belongings and assess the damage to their homes,” DHSEM Deputy Secretary Kelly Hamilton said. “We kindly ask you to please practice patience. These areas are too dangerous and the last thing we want is for anyone to be seriously hurt. Fires can quickly change direction, burned out root systems can cause trees to fall, and homes may be unsafe to enter.”

According to the National Weather Service, widespread critical fire weather conditions are likely along and east of the Central Mountain Chain today. Saturday, April 16 winds will be focused across western and central New Mexico. In other areas, increased humidity and lighter wind speeds are predicted over the weekend, but the directions can shift, and conditions remain dry. Earlier today the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands declared Stage II Fire Restrictions. Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Alerts & Notices.

However, the break in severe wind gusts have allowed county, state, and federal specialized fire teams to ramp up their firefighting efforts on the McBride Fire in Ruidoso. Still 0 percent contained, crews are now making aerial tanker water and retardant drops while the weather cooperates. There is still a Red Flag Warning with wind gust up to 30 mph today. More than 6,000 acres and 207 homes have burned since the blaze began Tuesday, April 12. Nearly 4,500 residents have been evacuated.

Ruidoso Municipal Schools remain closed, but administrators are formulating a plan to re-open next week depending on the fire threat. Also, a precautionary water advisory has been issued by the state Environment and Health Departments for Lincoln County due to significant damage to infrastructure caused by the McBride Fire. The advisory applies to drinking water from the Canyon Hideaway & Escape, La Vida Buena and R&R RV Park. No other surrounding systems are affected.

The Nogal Fire north of Carrizozo is still 4 percent contained. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is patrolling the area. The blaze destroyed 6 homes, 8 outbuildings and 427 acres of federal land.

Fire crews have made significant progress on the Hermit’s Peak Fire burning in the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger Districts of the Santa Fe National Forrest. Containment for the fire increased from 10 percent to 33 percent overnight. More than 7,000 acres, 1 residence and 6 outbuildings are destroyed due to the out-of-control prescribed burn. Evacuations are now voluntary. Law enforcements are conducting close patrols around vacant homes.

Meantime, there is substantial progress on the Big Hole Fire in Belen. The Valencia County blaze is now 60 percent contained. Fire crews will remain on site monitoring any hot spots. The fire burned 890 acres.

The exact cause of the McBride and Big Hole Fires have not been confirmed.

Residents may call the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at 1.800.432.2080 and 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.

The following Virtual Public Meetings will be hosted on Facebook tonight and Saturday. Viewers do not need a Facebook account to watch the livestreamed meetings.

The link may be opened in a browser:

• The Santa Fe National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/santafeNF/; and
• The McBride Fire Facebook page today at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 16.https://www.facebook.com/McBrideFire2022.

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 also will be accepted payable to the CFLC and “shelter fund” written on the memo line. Checks may be dropped off at the Condotel Building located at 1103 Mechem Dr. in Ruidoso or mailed to PO Box 2750, Ruidoso, NM 88355.

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.