The Tribe is sending a government vehicle with a Mescalero Apache Tribe decal to check on tribal members at the Hondo gas station. These are the individuals who cannot get through to come back to the reservation. They will be there at 2PM today, 6-18-24.

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The Mescalero Apache Tribe is graciously accepting donations.

All items can be taken to Mescalero Community Center Gym 108 Central Ave Mescalero, NM 88340

Monetary donations can be made by money order or check Mescalero Apache Tribe P.O. Box 227 Mescalero, NM 88340 Memo: June 2024 Fire Support

Items may include, but limited to:

• water
• snacks
• Gatorade
• hygienic items (men, women, kids 18 year old to infants)
• Etc.

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Mescalero Apache Reservation, Mescalero, NM – There was a fire that was reported on the Mescalero Apache Reservation near Ruidoso’s Upper Canyon area on June 17th at approximately 9:30 AM that is now called the South Fork Fire. It is at 13, 921 acres and 0% contained. Evacuation for the whole Village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs have been ordered. Approximately 400+ structures including homes have been affected or lost.

On the same day at approximately 2PM a second fire on the Mescalero Apache Reservation was reported near Botella Road adjacent to HWY 70 that is now called the Salt Fire. It is at 4,876 acres and 0% contained.

Numerous evacuation orders have been in effect to include: Fantasy lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail, and Chihuahua Well. One structure has been lost.

Operations between two fires are being consolidated under one management team.

A State of Emergency for the Mescalero Apache Reservation has been implemented by the Tribal Council.

The Mescalero Apache Tribe is actively working with federal and state agencies, outside and surrounding agencies to ensure public safety.

Some areas are without power and Otero County Electric is working to restore power. We ask our reservation residents to limit their water usage due to the fire.

Internally, the Tribe is working to collaborate with the Tribal workforce to address sudden out of work employees.

Evacuation Center at the Mescalero Community Center Gym and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center for all who need a place to stay – Tribal or non-Tribal members alike.

Reservation residents are strongly urged to not water their lawns due to water pumps working heavily at this time.

HWY 70 and Botella Road are still closed and evacuation orders are still in affect.

Please refrain from trying to gain access to restricted areas until the evacuation is lifted.

If any new fires are reported, do not travel or speed to such areas. First responders need the reported area clear.

Mescalero CHR will be on call for elderly needing assistance, they can be reached at 575-464-9256 or 575-464-4058.

For those in need, livestock can be held at the Mescalero Rodeo Grounds. Contact Cloyce Salazar 575-973-1394.

Donations are graciously accepted. Please drop donations off at the Mescalero Community Center Gym. Contact Alvin Benally 575-937-3714.

For daily updates please visit the MescaleroApacheTribe.com and the Mescalero Apache Tribe Official Facebook Page.

Call the Mescalero Apache Tribal Administration Offices 575-464-4494 for more information also.

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Essential employees (Tribal employees) must report to duty 6/18/24.

Tribal employees who are not considered essential employees are highly encouraged to volunteer at one of the evacuation centers.

Volunteer sites are Mescalero Community Center or IMG Convention Center and report to Site Supervisor.

Site Supervisor for Mescalero Community Center: Alvin Benally

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Evacuation Center at Inn of the Mountain Gods Convention Center is available for ANYONE, Tribal or non-tribal, they are gearing up for evacuees. As well as, Mescalero Community Center is available for evacuees.

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There is a fire near Gaines Well.

Please be aware: officials have closed Highway 70.

All residents on the east side of Botella Road have been evacuated as well as Fantasy lane, Summit area, Botella Road, Snow Springs, Fence Canyon, Whitetail, and Chihuahua Well need to evacuate immediately.

The Tribe is receiving reports of multiple additional fires on the Reservation. Stay away from fire locations. Keep clear of emergency vehicles. Report any suspicious behavior.

Livestock can be held at the Mescalero Rodeo Grounds, for those in need. Call 575-973-1394 if you need help with hauling your livestock.

Donations can be taken to the Mescalero Community Center Gym. Physical address: 108 Central Ave Mescalero, NM 88340

CHR will be on call for Elderly needing assistance. They can be reached at 575-464-9256 or 575-464-4058.

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All residence who live on or near:

Snow Springs

Fence Canyon

Whitetail

Chihuahua Well

Fantasy Lane

Summit area

Botella Road

Need to evacuate immediately

The Mescalero conservation will also be going home to home to notify residents.

Should you need a place to go, the Evacuation Center is at the Mescalero Community Center.

Livestock can be held at the Mescalero Rodeo Grounds, for those in need. Call 575-973-1394 if you need help with hauling your livestock.

Donations can taken to the Mescalero Community Center Gym. Physical address: 108 Central Ave Mescalero, NM 88340

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Fire near Gaines Well. 

Officials have closed Highway 70. Highway 70 is closed from Botella Road to Highway 244.

Residents east of Botella Road are evacuating.

Residents at Chatto Ridge are on “ready” status.

Apache Summit is being evacuated. Please leave immediately.

An Evacuation Center is available for residents at the Mescalero Community Center Gymnasium.

Livestock can be held at the Mescalero Rodeo Grounds, for those in need. Call 575-973-1394 if you need help with hauling your livestock.

Donations can be taken to the Mescalero Community Center Gym. Physical address: 108 Central Ave Mescalero, NM 88340

CHR will be on call for Elderly needing assistance. They can be reached at 575-464-9256 or 575-464-4058.

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