Situation Overview

A massive wildfire (or combined burn scar) — the Calf Canyon / Hermit’s Peak Fire — in northern New Mexico left thousands of acres of watershed burned. The burn scar is upstream of the Gallinas River, which is the primary municipal water source for Las Vegas NM.

Heavy rains over time have caused flooding through this burned watershed area, carrying ash, debris, sediment runoff into the Gallinas, thereby threatening or compromising water quality for the city.

Official Declarations & Funding Actions

The Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, issued executive orders declaring a state of emergency for Las Vegas NM, specifically to address the threat to its drinking water supply due to flood risks from the burn scar.

Along with the emergency declaration, $2.25 million in state emergency funds were made available. These funds are intended to assist local government with preventing additional damage, repairing public infrastructure, and shortening recovery time connected to the wildfire burn scar flooding.

There is coordination ongoing among state agencies — the Governor’s office, Environment Department, the Office of the State Engineer — and the City of Las Vegas to monitor and respond to water quality threats.

Public Safety Measures & Shutdowns

In response to water contamination risks and flood damage, non‑essential businesses in Las Vegas NM were ordered to close until further notice. Essential services (hospitals, grocery stores, gas stations, daycare) remain open. (Source New Mexico)

Mandatory evacuation was ordered for parts of the city during some of the flooding episodes. (Source New Mexico)

Water distribution has been organized: city and state officials, including the New Mexico Army National Guard, are distributing drinking water to households. Each household is eligible for up to two cases of water per day, with a distribution location and hours established. (Source New Mexico)

There are strict advisories to use water only for essential needs. Residents have been asked to limit use of showers, dishwashers, washing machines; to conserve water whenever possible. Bathrooms (toilet use) are to be very limited when non‑essential. (Source New Mexico)

Statements from Officials

Gov. Lujan Grisham stated that her administration is working with the city to ensure the water treatment plant is fully operational in the aftermath of the flood damage. “Doing everything possible to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.” (governor.state.nm.us)

Mayor David Romero (Las Vegas NM) said: “All sources of water were compromised” and emphasized that the situation left the city with no choice but to impose these measures. (Source New Mexico)

Limits & Conditions

As of the latest statements, the drinking water supply is not yet reported to be unsafe for consumption, though the threat is serious and ongoing. Monitoring of water quality is being done daily by city utility staff with support from state agencies. (KOB.com)

The emergency declaration also requests FEMA reimbursement under New Mexico’s major disaster declaration, amended to include post‑fire flooding. (KOB.com)