On June 21, 2024, SDF human remains detection (HRD) search teams Nick Bartel & Six, Jon Munguia & Clifford, and Ed Ruiz & Harper from California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2), and SDF handler Eric Darling & Mazie from California Task Force 5 (CA-TF5) deployed to New Mexico with their teammates, Celine Serrano & Prentiss, Chris Mackenzie & Mia, and Julie Purcell & Keres, along with additional canine teams from across the country to assist in the aftermath of deadly wildfires in New Mexico. Their deployment came in response to a federal disaster declaration issued by President Biden on June 20 for southern parts of the state ravaged by at least two wildfires that.
Although the cause of the fires was unknown, the southwest has been extremely hot and dry for several months, creating dangerous fire conditions that worsened with high winds. Fire crews battled the blazes with heavy equipment and air drops of water and retardant, but the fires mercilessly burned through thousands of acres in record time. While intermittent rainstorms provided some relief, they also brought new dangers in the form of lightning strikes and flash floods.
Evacuation orders were issued to Ruidoso, a town of approximately 7,700 just west of the Apache reservation. The nearby community of Ruidoso Downs was also told to leave the area, and a state of emergency was declared for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Sadly, several lives were lost, and over 1,400 structures burned, approximately half of them homes.
After nearly a week in New Mexico assisting rescue and recovery efforts, our teams completed their mission and returned home on June 27. We are incredibly grateful to all the canine teams from across the country and the other first responders who worked tirelessly throughout this disaster to ensure all community members were accounted for.
MEET THE BOOTS AND PAWS ON THE GROUND FOR THE NEW MEXICO WILDFIRES:
