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Editorial by Northeast Regional Rep. Anita Gonzales
My name is Anita Gonzales and I live in Las Vegas, New Mexico in the heart of San Miguel County. Currently, the largest fire in New Mexico history, the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, is 93% containment and has burned over 341,000 acres.
My family, like so many others, has lived here for generations and my story is one of thousands that have been impacted by this fire. San Miguel County borders Mora County and together forms a centuries-old community that has been in existence since before New Mexico was a state, with descedents of indigenous people that have lived in the area since before the United States existed. Although I had to evacuate, my personal experience was only an inconvenience, compared to the many that have had to rebuild their lives. I am writing this with the purpose of lending my voice to others who may not have been so lucky.
At the peak of the fire there were evacuations in 4 Northeast New Mexico Counties and closures of 2 National Forests. Over 3,000 fire personnel were spread over 4 geographic fire areas, and while the final number reported varies, there are over 340 homes and another 275 other buildings that were destroyed. As the fires raged on, there was so much loss- generations of culture, generations of existence, herds, crops, and to some, their ranching way of life is gone.
It’s impossible to overstate the impact that these fires have had, –on communities, on culture, and on our environment. The aftermath of the fire has resulted in diminished air and water quality. Some areas in the burn scar are still without access to water and electricity as major infrastructure repair is needed. Instead of fire warnings, residents now are worried about flood warnings as we are in the middle of monsoon season and without our natural flood protections of soil, vegetation cover…. Although water is a blessing, it cannot be stored due to the contaminants and debris. In many rural areas, we’re looking at a huge loss of population – a housing crisis, inadequate supplies to rebuild, and a reduced workforce. Many families are still displaced and have since moved from the area. They say memories don’t burn, but the things and places that trigger these memories do.
Our community right now is focused on relief and repair. Communities have rallied to maintain supply centers and needed resource hubs. But, many feel forgotten as government reimbursement and assistance has been underwhelming, if at all, in comparison to the loss. Litigation for many has started in the hopes that families can get the much-needed assistance to rebuild and be made whole. Our community remains indebted to the thousands of volunteers, donors, fire personnel, and first responders that joined in the fight for our precious homeland. For us in Northern New Mexico this struggle is only beginning as we rebuild, but we are forged from strong and resilient ancestors. We continue to need your support to rebuild the communities impacted by Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon by donating to the Las Vegas New Mexico Community Foundation (lvnmcf.com) which serves Mora and San Miguel Counties. .
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