Rep. Gabe Vasquez Shows Up for Mescalero Community, Secures Federal Assistance Following Wildfire Briefings

MESCALERO, N.M. – On June 19, 2024, as the Salt Fire and South Fork Fire actively spread in southern New Mexico, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) received a detailed briefing from incident commanders on the firefighting efforts, alongside Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Tribal leaders from Mescalero and other stakeholders. The Salt Fire and South Fork Fire have devastated areas in and around Mescalero and Ruidoso and evacuation orders are in place to ensure public safety. Vasquez has been working closely with local officials to monitor the situation.

“My heart goes out to the families in Mescalero and Ruidoso who have been forced to leave their homes. Right now, the most important thing is preventing any further loss of life. Unfortunately, there will be loss of property, but making sure that people are following evacuation orders is critical–we need to keep people safe,” said Vasquez. “New Mexicans have always stood tall in the face of adversity, and we continue to see that these bonds are unbreakable. I am confident that we will get through this together, and I am currently working around the clock to bring additional resources to those impacted. Our delegation will continue to pressure the Administration and other federal agencies to also bring much needed relief that is dignified during this time of need and emergency response.”

Prior to the briefing, Vasquez visited the Mescalero Community Center, where he unloaded trucks with essential resources, from baby formula to water. He also expressed gratitude to the firefighters battling both fires and for the community donations to help the victims. 

Vasquez stressed the necessity for additional federal support for the Ruidoso and Mescalero Apache communities. Alongside the New Mexico delegation, Vasquez called on the President to declare a major disaster. This declaration would facilitate the provision of necessary resources to the affected areas and victims. Today, President Biden approved the disaster declaration.

Additionally, Rep. Vasquez published a comprehensive Wildfire Resource Guide, available at vasquez.house.gov/wildfires. This guide offers critical information on planning ahead, fire prevention tips and recovery resources and has been informed by the U.S. Department of Interior and Agriculture thanks to Secretary Deb Haaland and Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small.

For photos and videos of the fires and meetings, click here.

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