LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) – The destruction of the Cotton Fire is claiming several homes as of Saturday night. Nearby neighbors and crowds gathered around, trying to get as close as they safely could in hopes of getting a glimpse of their homes still intact, but for many, it wasn’t what they wanted to see.
“Another lady, I’m pretty sure she just had a full loss. I didn’t really converse with her much because I just wanted to give her space,” Los Lunas resident Francesco Maes said.
A man on his knees in anguish, loved ones embracing one another, this is the scene as residents watch their homes go up in flames. The fire chief confirmed that around six to ten homes have already been lost.
Residents News 13 spoke with said they quickly got to work helping firefighters as much as they could, pulling fire lines as explosions rang out, working together as a community to prevent further loss.
“I am doing boots on the ground, I am picking up from retailers and stores as well as picking up from homes and stuff like that for people who have donations for the Daniel Fernandez REc Center as well as for the fire crew over here behind me,” said Brandon Norine, community organizer.
Despite chemical drops, people were running in to get their pets and hosing down their homes in anticipation of the flames. Though emotions were high Saturday, residents painted a clear picture: they stand together.
