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Gov. authorizes $5.25 million in emergency funds for relief efforts for the South Fork, Salt fires

Friday, 21 June 2024 09:58 gallupsun

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed executive orders authorizing the release of $5.25 million in additional emergency funds for the Department of Homeland Security Management to support relief efforts for the ongoing South Fork and Salt fires in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation on June 20.

“In the face of such a disaster, it is imperative that we act swiftly,” she said. "Although there is still a long road to full recovery ahead, these emergency funds will help stabilize these communities and provide much-needed assistance to those in need."

Key provisions of the executive orders include:

The State’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency...

Biden approves major disaster declaration request for New Mexico

Friday, 21 June 2024 08:49 gallupsun

SANTA FE — U.S. President Joe Biden granted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for New Mexico, an action that will release federal funds to support recovery efforts for the ongoing South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, on June 20.

“I’m grateful to President Biden for approving the Major Disaster Declaration quickly,” Lujan Grisham said in a press release published June 20. "This federal assistance will help affected residents receive the necessary aid to begin to recover and rebuild their lives.”

The declaration will provide assistance to individuals, households and businesses in the affected areas of Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache...

Department of Health issues air quality tips during statewide wildfires

Friday, 21 June 2024 00:00 Staff Reports

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health is urging New Mexicans to consider air quality safety and wildfire preparation in response to wildfires in the state – particularly in the Lincoln and Otero County areas where the Village of Ruidoso and the lands of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

“Breathing in smoke can aggravate conditions such as asthma and other chronic lung diseases, as well as cardiovascular disease,” Heidi Krapfl, Acting Director, Center for Health Protection for NMHealth, said. “Poor air quality can also create unsafe driving conditions in areas directly impacted by the fires.”
On June 18 the Village of Ruidoso reported that evacuation orders remain in...

New Mexico fires burn over 23,000 acres, leaves two people dead

Friday, 21 June 2024 00:00 Staff Reports

RUIDOSO, N.M. — Residents in Ruidoso and parts of surrounding Lincoln County were ordered to evacuate June 17 due to rapidly developing wildfires that had consumed thousands of acres in the area.

Between the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, the New Mexico Forestry Department has estimated that about 23,000 acres of land has been burned as of June 19.

Two people were reportedly found dead on June 18 in separate locations.

Patrick Pearson, one of the victims, loved music. In a June 19 interview with KOB 4, his children remembered him for his incredible talent.

“He was one of the best singers in New Mexico,” they said. “Anybody he’s played with, they would tell you the...

Borderline drought conditions allow Fourth of July fireworks

Friday, 21 June 2024 00:00 By Molly Ann Howell Managing Editor

City decides to celebrate holiday with drone show

Each year as summer draws nearer, the Gallup City Council and the city’s fire department take a look at drought conditions and determine whether or not the citizens of Gallup will get to light off fireworks for the Fourth of July.

As of June 13, the northeastern corner of McKinley County is in the D0 (abnormally dry) zone of the Drought Monitor, which is published by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The rest of the county is in the D1 (moderate drought) zone.

Gallup Fire Chief Jon...