We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday. As anticipated, many churches around Carlsbad reported the highest attendance they’d seen in several years. It was wonderful to see so many members of our community feel comfortable about returning to worship.
There was also some good news over the weekend concerning the McBride Fire in Ruidoso. As of Sunday morning, all evacuation orders were lifted and the fire was reported to be 80% contained. Gavilan Canyon Road has also been re-opened.
This was one of the most dangerous fires to hit southern New Mexico in several years. Several hundred homes were destroyed and two people lost their lives. Hundreds of residents had to take shelter at the Ruidoso Convention Center.
According to a press release, the majority of work left is along the fire’s eastern edge. Anyone traveling in the area is still asked to reduce speed and turn on headlights, due to the large number of firefighters and utility workers in the area. The Nogal Canyon Fire, west of Capitan, is now 42% contained. This fire has destroyed a dozen buildings and has covered about 430 acres. Some areas are still restricted due to tree removal.
While the risk of this fire – and of wildfires across New Mexico- has not abated, we have moved out of the most dangerous phase of the two fires near Ruidoso. The City of Carlsbad and Eddy County were proud to be able to assist with this effort. Thanks again to the many local businesses who assisted with relief efforts.
As of Sunday, the Salvation Army was no longer taking clothing donations in response to this fire. If you’d like to make a monetary donation, please contact the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce at 575-257-7395 or the Community Foundation of Lincoln County (www.CFOLC.org). They are coordinating information regarding specific accounts and funds to support our community. Ongoing updates can be found at Ruidoso-NM.Gov.
***
The Bureau of Land Management will be hosting an Earth Day cleanup on Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to noon. Gloves, water and snacks will be provided. Anyone wanting to volunteer should meet at the BLM Office at 620 East Greene Street.
***
Just a reminder that the Carlsbad Water Park will open for business on May 28. Hours for the water park will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. We offer limited evening rentals on the weekend, but those spaces do fill up very quickly. If you have any additional questions about our water park, please visit https://cityofcarlsbadnm.com/departments/carlsbad-sports-and-recreation-department/carlsbad-water-park/
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway