As wildfires rage in south-central New Mexico near the village of Ruidoso, Southern Baptist disaster relief volunteers are responding to the “rapidly developing” situation. The fire, which is being called the “South Fork Fire,” reportedly began drawing attention on tribal and government lands Monday (June 17).
“Fire growth has been rapid with extreme fire behavior,” officials with the New Mexico Forestry Division told FOX Weather. “Multiple structures are under threat, and unknown number of structures have been lost.”
RELATED: Check out more disaster relief stories here.
Urgent needs
Meanwhile, New Mexico Baptist Disaster Relief noted in a released update the most immediate need right now is prayer for those caught in the path of the fire and others responding. A feeding team was expected to provide meals Tuesday for evacuees in Roswell. They also shared a request for chaplains to work in a Red Cross shelter in the area.
In a June 18 update, NMBDR said, “A multi-incident wildfire is burning across Lincoln and Otero counties in [New Mexico]. All of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, and surrounding areas have been evacuated to Roswell and other surrounding communities. From the fire maps and posted photos it appears that Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs may be gone.”
They added, “This is rapidly developing, and [NMBDR] will try to keep you updated. Please pray for all those affected and responding.”
‘Working tirelessly’
Connie Dixon, national WMU’s president, lives in Elida, New Mexico. She noted the entire village of Ruidoso has been under evacuation orders since Monday.
“We are thankful for the fire crews working tirelessly to protect our village as the South Fork Fire is currently burning in Ruidoso,” she said in a Facebook post. “Please keep the first responders and our entire community in your prayers.”
For those in New Mexico interested in helping, they can contact disasterrelief@bcnm.com.
Other ways to help
For more information on how you can help, check with your church, association or state Baptist convention to find out how they are contributing to this and other ongoing relief efforts in neighboring states, your state and beyond.
