Community Update: Missing Person Found

We are relieved to share that the young gentleman who was reported missing is now safe!

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the search and supported his family during this time. Your kindness, vigilance, and community spirit made a significant difference.

Thank you for coming together and showing the strength of our community. Let’s continue to look out for one another!

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We’re excited to announce that the Mescalero Historic Preservation Program will be hosting a Mescal Roast Meeting on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM.

Location:
390 Lipan Avenue
Mescalero, New Mexico

This is a great opportunity to learn more about our heritage, engage with the community, and enjoy some delicious mescal. We encourage everyone to come out and participate!

For more information, feel free to call us at 575-464-3005.

We hope to see you there! Let’s celebrate our culture together!

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Sago Fire Update:

We wanted to provide you with the latest information regarding the Sago Fire, currently burning approximately 19 miles east of Mescalero, NM.

Key Details:

• Acres Burned: 282
• Start Date: March 26, 2026
• Containment: 17%
• Personnel Involved: 105 firefighters

Firefighters are actively working to secure the perimeter of the Sago Fire, and assessments for repair needs will begin today. Resources assigned include the Smokey Bear hotshot crew, two water tenders, three bulldozers, nine engines, and one T2IA crew. Medical resources have been on-site since Sunday morning to support our firefighting efforts.

Logistical Support:
The Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team is effectively managing the logistical challenges posed by the fire’s remote location. Most resources are stationed at a spike camp near the fire, with supplies and meals being coordinated through local restaurants and the incident command post at the BIA Mescalero Agency Apache Summit facility.

Fire Behavior:
The fire is currently burning through grass, juniper, piñon, and ponderosa pine near the Cow Camp Facilities on the Mescalero Reservation.

Weather Conditions:

• Monday’s Forecast: High of 77°F with relative humidity in the teens and low 20s.
• Potential Weather Changes: Expect possible precipitation on Wednesday and a chance of Red Flag Warning conditions later this week.

Public Safety Advisory:
For everyone’s safety, we urge the community to avoid Sago Canyon Road and Turkey Canyon Road while firefighting efforts are ongoing.

Fire Restrictions:
Please note that Class III High Fire Danger Restrictions are in place on the Mescalero Reservation. Here are some key points:

• Campfires are only allowed in designated camp areas at Silver Lake.
• Smoking outdoors is permitted if extinguished properly.
• Fireworks are strictly prohibited.
• Charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves can be used without restrictions, but must have proper screens to prevent escaping embers.
• Chainsaws and combustion engines must be equipped with spark arrestors.

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation during this critical time. Thank you to all firefighters and support personnel for your hard work and dedication on the fire line!

Stay safe, and we’ll keep you updated!

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Sago Fire Update – Important Community Information

We are reaching out to provide you with the latest updates on the Sago Fire, which has now affected approximately 300 acres on the Mescalero Reservation since it was reported on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The fire is currently located 19 miles east of Mescalero, NM, and is being managed by the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Current Situation:

• Personnel Involved: There are 103 dedicated firefighters actively working on the front lines.
• Containment Status: The fire is currently at 0% containment but is smoldering and creeping along the established containment lines. Firefighters are diligently working to reinforce the handlines, dozer lines, and retardant lines.
• Fire Behavior: With a decrease in fire activity, the team anticipates favorable conditions to achieve the goals of this full suppression incident. The threat to nearby values at risk, particularly the Cow Camp Facilities located three miles north of the fire, is gradually decreasing.
• Coordination Efforts: The team is collaborating with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)and the Mescalero Agency to assess necessary repairs once containment improves, ensuring that local residents and the public receive timely and accurate updates.

Weather Forecast:

• Sunday: Expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from the lower 40s at night to the mid 70s during the day. Winds will be from the west at around 8 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.
• Monday: Similar weather conditions are anticipated.
• Tuesday: Daytime temperatures will decrease by about ten degrees, and winds are expected to pick up slightly.
• Wednesday: There is a chance of precipitation.

Safety Guidelines:

• Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A flight restriction is currently in effect over the fire area. We urge everyone to avoid flying drones, as their unauthorized use poses a significant risk to aerial firefighting operations.
• Road Advisory: For the safety of our firefighting personnel, please avoid Sago Canyon Road and Turkey Canyon Road.

Fire Restrictions:

• Class III High Fire Danger is in effect on the Mescalero Reservation:
• Campfires are only allowed in designated areas, specifically at Silver Lake.
• No fireworks are permitted during this high fire danger period.
• Smoking outdoors is allowed only if properly extinguished in a container.
• There are no restrictions on using charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves, but homes with fireplaces or wood stoves must have proper screens to contain embers.
• Chainsaws and combustion engines must be equipped with functioning spark arrestors.

Acknowledgment:
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible teams working tirelessly on the fire lines today. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. The resources currently deployed include:

• 7 fire engines
• 3 water tenders
• 4 bulldozers
• 1 hotshot crew
• 1 twenty-person contract crew
• 1 helicopter base manager

Thank you for your support and cooperation during this critical time. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. Please stay safe!

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Sago Fire Community Update

We’re reaching out to provide you with the latest information regarding the Sago Fire, which has been actively impacting the Mescalero Reservation since it was initially reported on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The fire has now consumed approximately 250 acres and is located 19 miles east of Mescalero, NM. The management of this incident has transitioned to the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team, effective as of 5 p.m. yesterday.

Current Situation:

• Personnel Involved: A total of 133 skilled firefighters and support personnel are currently engaged in firefighting efforts.
• Containment Status: As of now, containment efforts are at 0%, but teams are actively working to combat the blaze.
• Fire Dynamics: The flames are spreading rapidly due to extremely dry fuels and strong winds. Firefighters are establishing containment lines on the ground, utilizing engines, hotshot crews, and bulldozer support to secure the area.
• Aerial Assistance: Large air tankers are being deployed to help contain the fire’s expansion.

Weather Conditions:

• Saturday Forecast: We anticipate calmer winds, with gusts potentially reaching up to 20 mph. The high temperature is expected to be around 62°F.
• Sunday Outlook: Temperatures are predicted to rise further, reaching 70°F.

Important Safety Guidelines:

• Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A flight restriction is in place over the fire area. We urge everyone to refrain from operating drones, as they pose a significant risk to aerial firefighting operations.
• Road Advisory: Although there are no official closure orders at this time, we strongly advise the public to avoid traveling on Sago Canyon Road and Turkey Canyon Road to ensure the safety of our firefighting crews. Fire Restrictions:
• Class III High Fire Danger:
• Campfires are permitted only within designated areas, specifically at Silver Lake.
• The use of fireworks is strictly prohibited during this high fire danger period.
• When using chainsaws or other combustion engines, it is mandatory to have a properly functioning spark arrestor installed.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible teams working tirelessly on the front lines. Their resources include:

• 6 fire engines
• 1 water tender
• 2 bulldozers
• 1 hotshot crew
• 1 twenty-person contract crew
• 1 helicopter base manager

Thank you for your cooperation and support during this challenging time. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Please stay safe!

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Join us this Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 8 AM as we urgently need help processing tipi poles for the Mescalero Daycare Kuugha Project. Our program has generously donated two small tipis for our children, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Location: Mescalero Childcare Site
Time: We’ll start at 9 AM

If you’re interested in helping out or need more information, please contact Christina Byers at 575-808-2881.

Let’s come together to support our kids! Thank you!

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4th Annual Spring Break Conference!

Attention, parents! If your kids are looking for something to do during spring break, we have an amazing opportunity for them! Join us for a FREE Conference in collaboration with the East Mountain Resource Center.

Date: March 24th & March 25th
Breakfast and Lunch Provided!
Pre-registration Required: Call the Prevention Office to secure your spot.

For more information, feel free to reply to this post or call our office at 575-464-4516. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event!

Spread the word!

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The Mescalero Emergency Operation Center recently collaborated with the Mescalero Conservation Department to participate in the pilot Part 107 drone class all week. This training is a significant step forward in enhancing our community’s capabilities in:

• Search and Rescue: Utilizing drones for quicker response times and improved safety during emergencies.
• Mapping: Creating accurate and detailed maps for effective planning and resource management.
• Wild Land Assessment: Monitoring and assessing our natural resources for better conservation efforts.

A huge thank you to Ron Montes from Rio Grande Aerial Systems for sharing your expertise and knowledge with our tribal departments. Together, we’re making strides to ensure a safer and more sustainable future for our community!

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https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/25409/25409/

Due to the current conditions, the Mescalero Apache Tribe has issued Class III High Fire Danger Restrictions for our area. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent any fire hazards.

Please be cautious and report any suspicious activity or signs of fire immediately. Together, we can ensure the safety of our community and protect our beautiful land.

Stay safe and look out for one another!

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https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/25397/25397/

This week, we focus on the theme: “When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you.”

To keep our homes safe and protect our loved ones, here’s a Poison Prevention Home Checklist:

Store all medicines and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
Keep products in their original containers with labels intact.
Use child-resistant packaging, but remember they are not child-proof!
Avoid taking medication in front of children to set a good example.
Dispose of unused or expired medications safely.
Educate family members about the dangers of poisons and how to respond in an emergency.

If the unexpected happens, remember that the Poison Center is just a phone call away. They provide fast, expert advice 24/7. Whether it’s a potential poisoning or questions about a substance, their team is equipped to help you navigate emergencies calmly and effectively.

Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate assistance!

Let’s work together to keep our community safe! Share this information to spread awareness.

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https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/25393/25393/