LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) – At the Daniel Fernandez Recreation Center, News 13 spoke with residents who have evacuated their homes due to the Cotton Fire. Joanne Donaldson of Los Lunas said she could see the second Bosque fire break out in the village within 24 hours from her front door.
“I have no car, so a neighbor brought me kindly, and I still have no information if my house burned or if anything is okay or not,” Donaldson said. She was one of the first to evacuate on Sunday morning.
Now, at least 1,300 people have been displaced from the latest evacuation orders. “I’m totally scared because I am all alone. My friends are in Colorado and Texas, and it’s just me here,” said Donaldson. “It’s just moment by moment, that’s all we can do, is pray.”
Throughout the day, community members brought loads of donations to the rec center, where the Red Cross has set up shop. They say the center is pet-friendly, and additional community resources have been staged there. Community members wanting to help with the evacuation of large animals can contact the Red Cross staff to help coordinate needed assistance.
Two women at the center were out of town on Saturday when they heard the news that their home in Carson Park was in danger of the flames. They were on their way to check to see if their home was still standing. They told News 13 that no matter what, they are thankful they are safe.
