STATE
Quay County declares disaster after wildfires scorch 30,000 acres
Commission approves resolution to help secure state aid for ranchers, others affected by fires near Nara Visa
TUCUMCARI 鈥� The Quay County Commission has approved a resolution declaring a disaster after wildfires last month burned more than 30,000 acres near Nara Visa.
Presented by Emergency Manager Bill Kardokus, the resolution aims to facilitate state aid to ranchers and others affected by the fires.
The fires prompted evacuation requests for the northeastern Quay County village, though no damage was reported there.
The fires scorched tens of thousands of acres of pasture. About 30 cattle died, according to a local fire official.
Though rain had fallen overnight before the commission meeting, County Fire Marshal Lucas Bugg reiterated that a state and county burn ban remains in effect.
Bugg pointed out that little to no rain fell east of Bard to the Texas state line during the storm overnight.
He said he appreciated the efforts of county officials and local firefighters in fighting blazes in the region.
Wildfires have burned more than 40,000 acres in Quay County since February because of drought conditions.
