Heinrich Addresses South Fork and Salt Fires in New Mexico on Senate Floor
Heinrich: “We will do everything possible to help our fellow New Mexicans through this immediate emergency and the recovery in the months and years ahead.”
WASHINGTON — While speaking on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) acknowledged the South Fork and Salt Fires in Lincoln County, New Mexico and the Mescalero Apache Nation.
In his speech, Heinrich mentioned that he spoke with U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall today about the ongoing fires.
Heinrich’s full Senate Floor remarks are below:
I want to start by acknowledging the South Fork and Salt Fires that have forced thousands to flee their homes in Lincoln County, New Mexico and the Mescalero Apache Nation over the last 24 hours.
I was just at the White House discussing these fires with Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall.
These are large and fast-moving fires that are threatening thousands of people’s homes.
I know many are worried that they may have already lost their homes, their property, their businesses, and their animals.
My thoughts are with every single one of you.
I want to extend my extraordinary thanks to the wildland firefighters, first responders, and local and Tribal leaders working to protect New Mexicans right now.
I am also grateful to all of the surrounding communities that have already welcomed thousands of their neighbors.
In times of need, New Mexicans look out for each other.
And I know that we will do everything possible to help our fellow New Mexicans through this immediate emergency and the recovery in the months and years ahead.
I want to stress the importance for everyone in the impacted area to heed evacuation orders and follow directions from local authorities.
Please do everything you can to stay safe.
Visit the Wildfire Preparedness & Prevention Resource Center on Heinrich’s website for prevention tips, best practices to protect homes and businesses, and an interactive map of active wildfire information from around New Mexico. You can also find timely and accurate information from federal and state agencies in New Mexico on fires, restrictions, and evacuation orders at NMFireInfo.com.
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