Grateful for community; our first responders

Valencia County has become somewhat used to bosque fires and flooding over the last several years, but what we can’t get used to is the devastation left behind when the flames and excessive water damage and destroy property.

Every year, we hope for the best but expect the worst, and when the worst does come, it’s hard to believe. Last weekend, the most devastating bosque fire in Valencia County history occurred, destroying 11 homes and injuring 13 firefighters. We’re so grateful no one lost their lives.

These last fires come just a few months after the Rio Grande Fire in Bosque Farms, where three homes were lost to flames. At this point, authorities have not disclosed the cause of that fire.

Even though someone has been arrested and charged for the Desert Willow Complex Fire in Los Lunas, it doesn’t change the fact that these 11 families’ lives have forever been changed. They are now forced to start from scratch. We are heartbroken for these families, and are hopeful they can find the strength and resources to rebuild.

The community’s continued generosity and love for one another was on full display from the moment the flames were seen. There was an immediate response from the public, asking where they can drop off donations and how they can help.

Within hours, people — members of our community — stepped up in droves. When the Daniel D. Fernandez Recreation Center opened as an evacuation site on Saturday, the amount of donations far outnumbered the amount of people arriving for help.

It was an amazing site to see. As our neighbors’ properties were being destroyed and their futures in limbo, they knew the community would support them. Not only did people drop off hygiene and household items, clothing, gift cards and more at both the recreation center in Los Lunas and the Peralta Community Center, but the business community all around Valencia County has also been helping.

Many businesses have jars out asking for cash donations and are creating events to raise additional funds for the fire victims. There are also a number of online fundraisers to help the families in need as well.

We know the vast majority of people living and working in Valencia County have big hearts and a love of community. We are not surprised that people are generous not only of their pocketbooks but with their time and hearts.

We also are very proud and grateful for our firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders, such as our EMTs, paramedics and dispatch operators — all who work day in and day out to keep our community safe. They are our heroes, they are our protectors, they are our neighbors, they are the best of who we are.

While the flooding in Belen last Tuesday was minor compared to what the residents and businesses have experienced in the past, we’re still in the midst of monsoon season, so we all should continue to be vigilant and aware. We are also grateful that those who were in the cafeteria at Dennis Chavez Elementary during the storm were able to get out when the roof collapsed.

The Daniel Fernandez Community Center is opened as a community service center, and the village of Los Lunas continues to accept monetary donations through a partnership with United Way at give.uwncnm.org/campaign/699958/donate. The Los Lunas Firefighters Union also has a verified GoFundMe account, which 100 percent benefits the fire victims. Please consider giving to the fire victims if and what you can.