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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Join Us for the Community Easter Egg Hunt!

Date: April 3, 2026
Time: Starts at 11:00 AM
Location: 108 Central Ave, Mescalero, New Mexico

Bring the whole family for a day filled with fun activities! We’ll have different age groups for the egg hunt, ensuring everyone gets a chance to join in on the excitement!

For more details, please call us at 575-464-9212 or 575-464-9204.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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Attention Teens! Join Us for Teen Night!

When: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – Midnight
Where: Mescalero Community Center, Gymnasium

Get ready for an evening full of fun, friends, and fantastic activities! Whether you want to dance, play games, or just hang out, this is the place to be!

For more information, feel free to contact the Boys & Girls Club at 575-464-9212 or 575-464-9204.

Don’t miss out – we can’t wait to see you there!

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We’re excited to announce the 10th Annual Mescal Roast hosted by the Mescalero Apache Historic Preservation Office and the TRCEL Program! Join us from April 12th to April 18th for a week filled with tradition, culture, and community spirit.

Dates: April 12th – April 18th
For more information, call: 575-464-3005

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to celebrate and connect with our heritage. We can’t wait to see you there!

Feel free to share this post and spread the word!

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A Red Flag Warning and High Wind Watch are in effect this Sunday from 3:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Expect strong, sustained winds with gusts that could pose serious hazards, including:

• Downed Trees
• Impacts to Power Lines
• Difficult Travel Conditions for high-profile vehicles

Please take precautions, secure loose items, and avoid unnecessary travel during this time. Stay safe and look out for each other!

Thank you!

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