Doña Ana County, NM - Doña Ana County is extending support to Lincoln and Otero counties amid wildfires that have necessitated mandatory evacuations in the Village of Ruidoso and the Village of Mescalero.

The county has mobilized resources to provide immediate assistance. Fire Rescue and Animal Control Office are on standby for mobilization orders from the State Emergency Operations Center, along with a team from Las Cruces Fire.

"The fire disaster affecting Ruidoso and surrounding areas is tragic, but we will support our friends and neighbors," said Interim County Manager Stephen Lopez. "We have already committed some personnel and equipment to the response, and are ready to send more as they are needed. In the meantime, we encourage anyone wanting to help to consider making cash donations through either the Greatest Needs Impact Fund or through the American Red Cross."

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is collaborating with the American Red Cross to support disaster shelters in the Roswell area. They are transporting a supplies trailer for the Red Cross, along with an OEM shelter support trailer. Additionally, OEM is taking shelter supplies for 40 pets/animals, including portable kennels.

Fire Rescue will assist with controlling and extinguishing the wildfires. Animal Control personnel will provide an emergency rescue and shelter trailer equipped with animal cages.

To assist those affected by the wildfires and evacuation, the Southern New Mexico Community Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Lincoln County, is accepting cash donations through the Greatest Needs Impact Fund. The fund aims to provide financial resources for both immediate and long-term recovery needs for people, animals, and places impacted by the wildfires.