On the afternoon of June 17, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an emergency declaration in response to the Trout Fire in Grant County. The declaration authorizes the allocation of $750,000 in emergency funds to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to support ongoing firefighting efforts. At this time, the executive order does not include the deployment of the New Mexico National Guard.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District has issued an emergency closure order for the Trout Fire to protect public health and safety. Under the authority of 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), entry into or presence within the designated area in the Silver City and Wilderness Ranger Districts of the Gila National Forest, located in Grant and Catron Counties, is strictly prohibited. This order supersedes any previous orders related to similar restrictions in the same area. The closure is necessary to support firefighting operations and mitigate risks associated with the uncontrolled Trout Fire.
Hidalgo Medical Services has formally notified the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging that, effective August 9, it will discontinue the provision of Older Americans Act services (senior services) at its locations in Gila, Mimbres, Santa Clara, and Silver City in Grant County. In response, the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging is actively working to uphold its commitment to older adults in the region. Efforts include securing a new service provider to assume operations at the affected sites and collaborating with local elected officials at both the county and municipal levels, as well as with the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments, to address community concerns and ensure a smooth transition.
In Hidalgo County news:
Four members of the Animas Fire & Rescue Department attended the 103rd New Mexico State Firefighters Association Conference, hosted by Eddy County Fire & Rescue in Carlsbad. During the event, they participated in advanced training sessions led by national instructors, including the County Fire Tactics Team. Animas Fire & Rescue also took part in the Firematic Games, earning second place in Water Polo and first place in the Mystery Game. In addition, the department was honored with the NMSFFA Award for Most Man Miles Traveled.