Situation Report: HRVFD Called to Assist Ruidoso Downs with Devastating Wildfire

At 7pm last night, High Rolls Fire Department was called to assist Ruidoso Downs and Forest Service on a wildfire burning in the Gavilan Canyon area. This fire, named the White Fire, started during Red Flag conditions and quickly grew to encompass 6000 acres, threatening neighborhoods and racetrack/casino facilities in the Ruidoso Downs area. Neighborhoods and subdivisions of Ruidoso Downs and East Ruidoso were evacuated, as the fire rapidly spread in the 60 mph winds. High Rolls Fire sent a brushfire unit and personnel to assist in evacuations and wildfire control.

Situation Report: Brush Fire in La Luz Canyon Area

At 0750 am, High Rolls Fire was dispatched, along with Burro Flats Fire, and units from the US Forest Service to a report of a brush fire on Lincoln National Forest land, in the area where La Luz Canyon and Bailey Canyon intersect. High Rolls Units arrived on scene and contained the fire, turning control of the scene over to fire crews of the US Forest Service.

Situation Report: Rescue of Fall Victim at Tunnel Vista Overlook

At approximately 2:00 pm, High Rolls Fire and EMS was dispatched for a female fall victim at the High Rolls Tunnel Vista overlook. The patient fell and was approximately 180 feet down the cliff from the observation area. A low angle rescue was conducted and the patient was extracted using a stokes litter and a rope hauling system. Mutual aid was requested from La Luz Fire, Cloudcroft Fire and EMS, Otero County Sheriff, AMR Medical, and local Search and Rescue personnel. The patient was transported to Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center.

Situation Report: Vehicle Accident on Highway 82 East of Tunnel

At 2:40pm, High Rolls Fire and EMS was called to the scene of a single vehicle auto accident near the Highway 82 Tunnel. Traffic was impeded for an hour, and all parties refused medical assistance. The scene was clear at 3:45pm.

Weather Update on the Mountain...

The snow's have finally cleared, but last week's storm was a busy time for us. At the height of the storm, High Rolls Fire ran multiple vehicle accidents along US 82, from automobiles sliding on the icy road. No major injuries were reported, but units were busy most of the day, and the highway was eventually closed to all traffic. Most of the problems were centered around the switchbacks near the High Rolls Tunnel and Scenic Overlook.

Time to Clear Your Brush!

Our forests and grasslands are overgrown, leading to anticipation that this Spring's fire season is going to be especially harsh. Today, the High Rolls Fire Department set the example by clearing brush around the station and performing a controlled burn to rid the overgrowth. We heartily recommend clearing the brush around your home to create a defensible space in case of wild-fire. It is recommended to clear brush back at least 30 feet from your home. The High Rolls Fire Department and Otero County Sheriff's Office should be contacted if you plan to perform any controlled burning. A fire truck can be arranged on request, for special situations. Interested persons should contact Chief Klaene for details.

Situation Report: Multi Vehicle Accident on Highway 82

At 2:05 pm, High Rolls Fire Department responded to Mile Marker 4 on Highway 82 for a reported motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Upon arrival, High Rolls units were faced with a multi-car accident with one patient entrapped facing life threatening injuries due to crash impact. The Native Air helicopter ambulance was requested and Dungan Fire Department set up a landing zone to transport the traumatically injured patient. Highway 82 remained closed for approximately 2 hours as the vehicles were removed and the road was made safe by removing debris and spilled fuel. One additional patient was transported with non-life threatening injuries.