New Mexico
Arvada firefighter robbed while fighting New Mexico blaze
DENVER (KDVR) — An Arvada firefighter was robbed while fighting deadly wildfires blazing in New Mexico.
Matthew Ramos was part of a Colorado crew that traveled to help battle the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire, which have burned thousands of acres near Ruidoso, New Mexico, about eight hours south of Denver.
While helping out the community, Ramos’ car was parked outside of a fire station near the burn zone. When he got back, a duffle bag full of gear and some money had been stolen.
“It looks like they broke my car door handle somehow and got in. It’s an older vehicle so it’s not hard to break into,” Ramos told FOX31. “You know, maybe they were in a bad spot and needed it more than I did. But it’s just unfortunate to see really.”
Ramos has returned to Arvada, and said fighting the fire was “traumatizing” and said the full impact of the massive blaze has not set in.
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The remains of the Wild West Ski Shop, destroyed by the South Fork Fire, are pictured in the mountain village of Ruidoso, N.M., Saturday, June 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton) -
Smoke rises off the remains of a house destroyed by the South Fork Fire in the mountain village of Ruidoso, N.M., Saturday, June 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton) -
The flattened remains of the Swiss Chalet Hotel are shown after it was destroyed by the South Fork Fire in the mountain village of Ruidoso, N.M., Saturday, June 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton) -
A tree that split in half due to the South Fork Fire is pictured in the mountain village of Ruidoso, N.M., Saturday, June 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Despite the robbery and traumatizing experience, Ramos said he hopes to return and help fight the fire if his help is needed again.
The Associated Press reports that the blaze killed two people and destroyed hundreds of homes in the past week.