Official Website of the Mescalero Apache Tribe

June safety month is here

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The month of June is dedicated to firearm safety, and we are asking YOU to join the initiative.

By taking the pledge you’re making a commitment to adhere to the four fundamental rules of firearm safety.

1. Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded: Always assume your firearm is loaded, even if you have previously checked it. Never take anyone’s word that a firearm is unloaded. Always check yourself with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your finger is outside the trigger guard away from the trigger.

2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy: Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, away from yourself and others—where, if the gun were to accidentally fire, it wouldn’t damage or injure anyone or anything.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are aligned on the target, and you are ready to fire: This means keeping your finger outside the trigger guard until you have your sights aligned on the target.

4. Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond it: This includes making sure nothing is behind your target that you don’t want to destroy.

TAKE THE PLEDGE HERE

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Evacuation Status Changes from the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services

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Starting at 4:00 PM, June 2, 2024, crucial changes in evacuation levels will occur for the
Blue 2 Fire. While the “Ready, Set, Go!” Evacuation Alerts are shifting, it remains of the
utmost importance for citizens and visitors in these areas to stay informed about the
ongoing fire situation and make the best decision for their safety. If you feel unsafe at
any moment, you have the ability and power to self-evacuate.

After a coordinated effort between the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services, the
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southwest Incident Management Team 3:

The Village of Capitan, Enchanted Forest, and Alto communities are no longer in the
“Ready” status.

The Cora Dutton, Ranchman’s Camp, Sun Valley, and Sierra Vista communities are now
in a “Ready” status.

The Villa Madonna, Bonito Lake, Loma Grande, and Nogal Canyon communities are
now in a “Set” status, and all “Go” Evacuation notices have been lifted. Firefighting
equipment and personnel are still in these areas; please slow down and use caution.

In the interest of public safety, camping and other recreation activities in the Bonito Lake
Area are still restricted due to ongoing firefighting activities. The United States Forest
Closure Order will continue to remain in effect from the White Mountain Wilderness Area
until August 23, 2024.

As a reminder, citizens and visitors should know the evacuation levels and follow the
advice of emergency officials. If you are not already signed up for local emergency
alerts, do so now! Text “LINCOLNNMALERTS” to 99411 for Lincoln County Alerts, and
“ALERTRUIDOSO” to 38276 for Village of Ruidoso Alerts.

Once home, perform these safety checks:

  • Look for hot spots, smoldering areas, and vegetation on your property.
  • Inspect the roof and outer parts of your house for any sparks or embers.
  • Search the attic and all rooms for hidden sparks or embers.
  • Examine your home for fire damage. Ensure all appliances are off and the main
    circuit breakers are safe and turn on.
  • Check your water supply system, like wells or pump houses, to ensure they work.

For more information about returning home after a wildfire, visit www.afterwildfirenm.org

As we know all too well here in Lincoln County, wildfires impact our watershed. With
monsoon season on the horizon, the time to prepare for Flash Flooding and Debris
Flows is now. Have an evacuation plan, restock your emergency kit, and stay weatheraware
by following trusted forecasts like the National Weather Service Albuquerque
Forecast Office, www.weather.gov/abq. Typically, standard insurance does not cover
flooding, so individuals and businesses downstream of the Blue 2 Fire need to reassess
their flood risk and visit www.floodsmart.gov.

In a proactive effort, Lincoln County OES will conduct sandbagging operations in the
coming weeks to help the public prepare for monsoon season.

Re-entering your home after a wildfire can be an emotional experience filled with
uncertainty. If you need someone to talk to, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-
985-5990 to speak with a trained counselor.

Monitor Lincoln County Fire Service’s and Blue 2 Fire Information’s Facebook pages for
additional updates, and visit www.tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs for an interactive evacuation
map.

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TRIBAL NEWS AND UPDATES