A Cabinet in your Community event held in Ruidoso recently shared available resources and services with residents impacted by the devastating McBride Fire.
Residents heard from the heads of various state agencies, according to KOB 4. Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said the fire and its aftermath have kept residents on an emotional rollercoaster filled with uncertainty.
“It’s certainly gone from fear and not knowing what’s going to happen to the point of now that we’ve seen what the devastation was and now what do we have to do for the recovery now for the folks that have been impacted most,” Crawford told KOB 4. “We’ve asked the governor to send those folks that have the stroke, that have the ability to make things happen.”
The McBride Fire destroyed an estimated 207 houses in April, creating a pressing need for housing for those who are suddenly homeless. Crawford told KOB 4 that 50 families are seeking housing. Long-term solutions for finding affordable housing and helping people rebuild their homes are still being discussed. Addressing those issues is being made more difficult by high inflation, workforce shortages, and rising home prices, KOB 4 reported.
Tourism, an important source of income for the village of Ruidoso, was also impacted by the fire. The spring season is normally a busy time, but residents and tourists were warned to avoid the area.
“We had a lot of cancelations on our hotels, our short-term rentals,” Crawford told KOB 4. “A lot of bookings with our off-road vehicles, things like that. All have gone down. So, we’re now in the process of letting everyone know that we are open for business.”
Pres. Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for New Mexico in early May due to the wildfires and lingering drought conditions.
Crawford is hopeful that will provide additional resources for Ruidoso’s long road to recovery. Villagers are grateful for more than $200,000 in cash that was given plus donations of food, water, and hygiene products to aid in recovery efforts, KOB 4 reported.
