Rio Rancho Police Department, community on standby as central NM fires rage on

Fires have taken over in Ruidoso and residents have been displaced.

According to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's office, the wildfires, which ignited June 17, have damaged more than 1,000 structures and led to the evacuation of the entire village of Ruidoso. Further evacuations in nearby communities are possible. The fires have consumed nearly 20,000 acres and are currently 0% contained. The fires have already claimed two lives and displaced thousands. The governor declared a state of emergency in response to the fires.

Though Rio Rancho is about five hours away from the distressed city, the Rio Rancho Police Department has offered to help as of June 19.

"Chief (Stewart) Steele and the Rio Rancho Police Department have offered personnel resources to the Ruidoso community. We are currently standing by to learn if, when and where our assistance would be most useful," Capt. Jacquelynn Reedy said.

So far other entities in Rio Rancho have not made it known if they are also offering aid.

"On behalf of the city of Rio Rancho, Rio Rancho Police Department and all Rio Rancho community members, our hearts are with everyone affected by the fires and all those working diligently to extinguish them," Reedy added.

Reedy said June 24 that RRPD is sending two officers who will assist with police matters.

"They will be working 12 on/12 off and rotating out after 2 days for approximately 1 week," she explained.

The Rio Rancho community is also sending encouragement as well as donations.

House of Representatives candidate Michelle Sandoval organized a donation drive at Camino De Los Montoyas Park June 20 as well and the turn out met her expectations.

"It's New Mexico helping New Mexico," she said.

Dozens of items were donated by several Rio Ranchoans. Some even made multiple trips from their nearby homes to donate. Some stuck around to eat dinner from the food trucks parked there and others simply asked, "What else do you need?".

Sandoval and her family themselves drove the donations down to the Ruidoso residents in need when the drive ended at 8 pm.

"I don't mind because my husband is down there with National Guard right now. It gives me a reason to visit him and help the community down there," she said.

Sandoval is considering hosting another drive next week when the food trucks return to the park.

She is not the only Rio Ranchoan donating to the fire cause.

Goght Head (pronounced like "goat"), a local business in Rio Rancho, announced the launch of its "Ruidoso Strong" T-shirt.

This "special edition" shirt aims to support the village of Ruidoso as it recovers from the deadly wildfires with 100% of the proceeds being donated to The Shelter Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Lincoln County.

The fund will directly support the families and individuals who have been displaced by the fires.

“At Goght Head, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back,” Esmeralda Sanchez, founder of Goght Head, said.

“Ruidoso holds a special place in the hearts of many New Mexicans, and we want to do our part to help our neighbors rebuild and recover.”

The "Ruidoso Strong" T-shirt is available for purchase now on the website.

Brew Lab 101 will also accept donations at its 3301 Southern Blvd. location, and donators can earn a discount on beer.

The Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce announced June 21 they will accept donations at their location on Crestview Drive.

KOB 4's Rio Rancho Bureau on Quantum Road will also accept donations.

There is also a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices location at 1001 Golf Course Road in Rio Rancho that accepting donations for wildfire victims.

Items needed include blankets, pillows, towels, hygiene products, non-perishables, water, clothing, pet supplies, sleeping bags and batteries.