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LOS LUNAS — The temperatures are hot. The wind is blustery. The flames were intense and the smoke was heavy and harsh.
The moment Kayla Calizo realized what was going on, she knew she had only a few moments to gather her five children — ages 12 to 2 months — get a few belongings and get out.
Calizo and her children were at home on Serafin Court Saturday afternoon trying to stay cool in the summer heat. She remembers getting an alert on her NextDoor app notifying her of the nearby fire.
“We started smelling smoke and my neighbor called,” Calizo said. “Then my caseworker from CYFD came over, knowing where we lived. She pretty much saved us.”
Calizo says Anna Carrillo rushed to her mobile home, knowing her circumstances — five children with no car.
“I smelled the smoke, but when we got outside, I saw my backyard and the flames coming up. I felt so unprepared and we were all panicking. We were just trying to gather what we could,” she said.
While Calizo was able to get a bag full of important paperwork and a few other things, the family was heartbroken having to leave behind their four dogs. Thankfully, a neighbor was able to take them in and keep them safe.
Calizo never experienced anything like that before, and she never wants to see her children — Kamalani, 12, Jazmin 11, Isabella, 9, Adam, 7 and Dalila, 2 months — that scared ever again.
A tanker plane drops fire suppression slurry on the Cotton Fire on Saturday afternoon.
Video courtesy of Diane Klaus“They were panicking and crying,” she said. “I was pretty hysterical myself. My heart was racing and just trying to think what I could grab. When we got outside, the kids were coughing. It was very scary.”
When the family was able to leave, they looked back, not knowing if they’d have anything left when then came back. She’s still not sure if her house is still standing.
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Today, the family of five is grateful to the village of Los Lunas for allowing them space at the Daniel Fernandez Recreation Center.
“I’m just glad we are safe, but we don’t know what we’re going to go back to,” she said. “We’ll stay here until we know if we can go back. I just felt so unprepared. My oldest daughter had a go-bag; she’s the only one who was smart.”
The village opened the recreation center Saturday afternoon to help those in need. Matthew Jaramillo, the recreation supervisor, said they have room for about 200 people, but they’ve set up a couple dozen cots for people to relax or sleep on.
“We had a huge amount of people coming and going from the evacuation sites on Saturday,” said Jaramillo on Sunday. “People are coming to see what resources are offered. A lot of those individuals are touching base, finding their grounding. Fortunately, a lot of their family members have stepped up and are taking them in.”
Jaramillo said the new fires that started on Sunday morning have again forced evacuations and are seeing a more people come in.
“We have sleeping arrangements for people, food, water, toiletries, charging stations, showers,” he said. “We’re running a little mini hotel here.
“We’ve also had an outpouring of donations from the community. It’s a little overwhelming to some degree.”
Jaramillo is managing a team of volunteers who are giving of their time and their hearts to help their community. They’re also taking donations of pet food, and they do have crates for those who are displaced with their animals. The Valencia County Animal Shelter is also helping residents and their pets.
“This is something that might last a few days, so we want to make sure we’re prepared and have enough items for everyone,” Jaramillo said.
Sophia Stevens was one of many who went to the recreation center to help. She walked up with two large packages of toilet paper, another one of paper towels and bag filled with toiletries and clothing.
Stevens, who had recently moved to Huning Ranch in Los Lunas from San Francisco, saw what was happening, and knew what she had to do.
“I figured people were in need of supplies, and I had some extra so I figured I would bring some,” Stevens said. “I texted a couple of neighbors to see if they wanted to donate, and one was able to donate a couple of things.
“I lived in California and I know what these wildfires can do,” she said. “I was worried when people are obviously are in need, and I want to be able to help out. Anything you can do is helping.”
If you want to help, they are accepting donations of non-perishable goods, as well as the following items that will be of use to families impacted by the fires:
• Pop-up shades
• Ice chests
• Portable chargers/car chargers
• Bedding
• Washed and sorted clothes
• Pre-made food packages
• Comfort items and care packages for kids
• Lawn chairs/foldable camping chairs
• Folding tables
• Sunscreen
• Cooling towels
• Shade hats
If you would like to volunteer, they can put you to work, either now or later in the day. They anticipate needing to relieve current volunteers later this afternoon or this evening. Call the Daniel Fernandez Recreation Center main line at 505-352-7661.
