Mid-South firefighters dispatched on week-long rescue mission following wildfires and flooding in New Mexico village

A team of six Mid-South firefighters, comprising three members from the Town of Collierville and three from the City of Millington, embarked on a mission to Ruidoso, New Mexico, in response to the devastation caused by recent wildfires and flash flooding. The firefighters set out on their humanitarian journey to assist and provide aid to the affected area, located in the picturesque mountains of southern New Mexico.

The fires that had ravaged the region were largely subdued by the timely arrival of rainfall, only to be succeeded by the peril of flooding resulting from the heavy downpours. Consequently, the Village of Ruidoso decreed an urgent evacuation order on Sunday, June 30, prompting a swift and coordinated response from neighboring states through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

The team dispatched by Collierville comprises a specialized ‘Type 3 Swiftwater Rescue Team,’ equipped with six adept rescue technicians and a fleet of boats tailored for water-based rescue operations. The deployment, which arrived on June 29, is anticipated to remain in the affected area for a week, providing essential aid and support to the beleaguered residents of Ruidoso.

Collierville’s Fire Chief, John Selberg, expressed pride in the unwavering commitment and self-sufficiency exhibited by the dispatched team, as they carry a week’s worth of supplies, including meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), water, tents, and portable toilets. The team’s sole reliance on their resources underscores their dedication and readiness to assist those in need during times of crisis.

Prior to the flooding, the assembled rescue personnel diligently combed the affected areas in search of individuals impacted by the wildfires, ensuring that no one was left unaccounted for. Mayor Lynn Crawford of Ruidoso attested to the thoroughness of the search efforts, indicating that as of June 26, there were no longer any individuals on the list of those missing post-evacuation. The community, which normally houses around 8,000 permanent residents, experiences a significant surge in population during the summer months, as tourists flock to the Sacramento Mountains and the renowned Ruidoso Downs Race Track for leisure and entertainment.