Fire
The aftermath of wildfires is often just as destructive as the fires themselves.
Over the weekend, severe flash flooding and debris flows struck the area near Ruidoso, New Mexico, following two weeks of intense wildfires. Two inches of rain fell on the fire-scorched soil in Ruidoso, leading to destructive flood conditions. The dark floodwaters filled with ash and soot from the South Fork and Salt Fires pummeled through Ruidoso’s canyons, drowning Highway 70 which runs through the middle of town and even toppling over a fuel tanker.
The unexpected deluge caused substantial damage to homes and businesses, leading to 77 water rescues, according to The New York Times. Kerry Gladden, a public information officer for Ruidoso who spoke with The New York Times about the flooding, highlighted that the timing of New Mexico’s monsoon season, coinciding with the recent wildfires, has exacerbated the flood risks, making the recovery process difficult and delaying its progress.
Residents were just beginning to return last week after the containment of the fires when they faced new evacuation orders due to the floods. One resident described the rush of a six-and-a-half-foot wall of water through their neighborhood in Upper Canyon, one of Ruidoso’s neighborhoods. The combination of intense monsoons and the steep, scorched slopes in the region has created a volatile environment where the lack of vegetation to absorb rainfall leads to rapid, dangerous debris flows and flash floods. Monsoon season in the Southwest typically lasts from July to September, and this could be the first of many floods in Ruidoso this season due to the weak, unsupported burnt soil.
The official cause of the fire in Ruidoso is still under investigation. The F.B.I. is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for starting the fire. In the meantime, the community of Ruidoso is coming together like never before to rebuild their ski town and work together to make sure everyone makes it through this incredibly challenging time.
How to help
The community in Ruidoso has several fundraisers and community programs in place to support those affected by the fires and devastating flooding. Any donation, small or large, can go a long way in helping these people who have lost so much begin to rebuild their lives. The community has banded together in a beautiful way to help one another during this difficult time, and anything that you can provide will be extremely helpful in rebuilding Ruidoso.
Fundraisers:
- The Greatest Needs Impact Fund and the Community Foundation of Lincoln County are providing financial resources to support people, animals, and places affected by the fires. Donations may be made at cfsnm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate.
- GoFundMe’s Trust & Safety Team has created a hub of what they describe as verified fundraisers from people affected by the fires, including one set up by the family of Patrick Pearson, whose body was found near the Swiss Chalet Motel. The hub can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/new-mexico.
- Logan Fle’s Venmo (100% of proceeds go to victims of the Ruidoso Fires) – @Logan-Fleharty
- Loganz Ink – Facebook
- The Shelter Fund via Lincoln County– website
- Rebuild Alto Ski Shop – GoFundMe
