Whitewater-Baldy Complex interview

MOGOLLON,  NM FRIDAY MAY 25, 2012.  Richard Torres, columnist for Glenwood Gazette, was able to talk to longtime Mogollon resident Katie Morgan over the phone today at approximately 11:30am. Katie is in Mogollon.

Richard (R):  Has anyone evacuated?

Katie Morgan (KM): No.

R:  How many residents are staying?

KM: About 17 of us.

R: So, about 17 residents are staying?

KM:  That’s right. There is a road closure, so nobody is coming up. There is a lot of traffic on the road with all the tankers coming up. We have at least 27 trucks sitting in our yard….in the town.

R: Has hose lines been stretched out around town?

KM:  Yes, they have done that, and water bladders are connected to the hose lines.

R: What about air quality?

KM:  We haven’t had any smoke problem in here. It’s all blowing to the east of us, northeast. No ash, no nothing here in town.

R: Is visibility good?

KM:  Yes.

R: What about flames? Can you see them at night?

KM:  A few…more than we have seen before.

R:  And you can see the flames in what direction from your business?

KM: Southeast.

R: And if an evacuation becomes necessary, are you prepared?

KM:  I’ve got stuff packed and ready to go if we have to.

R: Anything you would like to add?

KM: No, other than the firefighters are doing a wonderful job. We have really good crews in here and they are doing a good job.