NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
MSC 3189, P.O. Box 30005 • Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8005
Office of the Director/Secretary
Jeff M. Witte, Director/Secretary
MEDIA RELEASE Cell: (575) 644-8607 Office: (575)646-2804
For Immediate Release Contact: PIO - Noreen Jaramillo
NMDA Keeping Watchful Eye on Wallow Wildfire
Burning Along New Mexico –Arizona Border
~Working to Help Affected Ranchers~
(Las Cruces, NM) New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA), together with the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB) and other ag agencies are keeping a close eye on the Wallow wildfire burning along the New Mexico-Arizona border. “This massive fire is not only a threat to the safety of humans, but livestock and pets will unfortunately be impacted as well. Whether it’s those animals literally in the line of fire or the animals impacted by the heavy smoke hovering over parts of the state,” said Jeff Witte, NMDA director/secretary.
The smoke is going to be a respiratory irritant and it can cause problems in animals just like it does humans. Some of the effects will be coughing, runny nose, watery eyes and in some cases wheezing. “We are asking residents to use good common sense and bring their small animals indoor if they can and limit the animals’ outdoors activities,” said Noreen Jaramillo, NMDA public information officer.
The wellbeing of livestock living close to the fire line near the Arizona, New Mexico border is also a major concern. “Everyone recognizes this fire is a serious threat to these animals and our ag agencies are ready to assist in any way. We are already coordinating efforts to make sure we use the resources available in a way that will be the most beneficial to the affected ranchers and their livestock. We want to try and minimize the negative impact,” added Witte.
When it comes to livestock in the fire area, ranchers should be planning an escape route for their animals, whether it is by literally cutting fences and opening gates to provide a means for the livestock to escape. “These animals will have to rely on their natural instinct to flee danger and seek safety. We can help by providing a path of least resistance with an escape route,” said Myles Culbertson, New Mexico Livestock Board. “Plus for those residents who can evacuate their large animals ahead of the fire, we encourage they do that right away. Our inspectors are on site, working to contact these people and offer their assistance.”
NMDA is also in touch with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, which is prepared to pull their network together for a coordinated response to help these animals and their owners.
Noreen Jaramillo
Public Information Officer
New Mexico Department of Agriculture
Cell: 575-644-8607
Office: 575-646-2804
Fax: 575-646-8120
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