CLOUDCROFT, NM- There's little left of almost ten Cloudcroft businesses tonight but ashes and rubble. A massive fire swept through the New Mexico town early this morning. Reporter Matt Rivers spent the day there and has more.
There were tears of disbelief today in Cloudcroft, as the small town tries to comprehend a massive loss, just two weeks before Christmas.
It took over 25 years to build, and just hours to burn down. Chuck Venable lost his two stores, and the family owned building where they sat, in a massive fire early this morning.
"It was a shock. It was numbing. It's almost like a part of your childhood, your life, has turned to ashes," Venable told us.
Seven businesses were destroyed today, as two buildings on Burro Street burnt to the ground. No injuries were reported, as it took firefighters several hours to get the fire under control.
Cloudcroft residents gathered at the scene, staring at the rubble, sharing words of comfort and support.
"We're all family here. We're all friends, all of our kids grew up together, it's really devastating," said Cloudcroft resident Jessica Rogers.
But along with the sadness there was an immediate resiliency. The Chamber of Commerce says all other shops are open for business.
Residents told me they were bonding together, making real a small town spirit, determined to start over.
"I want people to know that yeah, it's terrible for us and all the people that had businesses in there but the village is fine," said Mayor Dave Venable.
What started the fire has yet to be determined, with investigators not arriving on scene until this afternoon.
A relief fund has already been set up, not only for the businesses lost, but for the 25-30 employees now out of a job, just before Christmas.
TO DONATE TO THE RELIEF FUND:
a) Donate at the First National Bank in Cloudcroft
b) Call the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce at 575-682-2531 or the Village of Cloudcroft at 575-682-2411
Post new Comment