Lincoln Nat'l Forest Hotshots Fight Dragon Bravo, Budget Passes, Water Bills, OCEC Meeting, and More
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Sacramento and Smokey Bear Hotshot Crews Brave the Dragon Bravo Fire
As of this morning, the Dragon Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon has burned over 130,000 acres, according to the Watch Duty App.
Both Lincoln National Forest hotshot crews were deployed to Dragon Bravo last week, which has reportedly grown into a “megafire,” a term the U.S. Forest Service gives to blazes that reach over 100,000 acres in size.
Dragon Bravo burns so hot, it can create its own “fire clouds,” aka pyrocumulus and pyrocumulonimbus, which make their own unpredictable weather systems.
The fire is now said to be one of the ten largest fires in Arizona’s history.
While much of the National Park remains open, the Grand Canyon Lodge and other structures were destroyed by the blaze. There are no reports of injuries or fatalities at this time.
Double Water Bills Expected Today
According to the Village of Cloudcroft, water bills for both June and July are being sent out today. Billing is expected to return to the regular monthly schedule in August.
Election Year: Dates and Numbers
The 2025 Regular Local Election is on Tuesday, November 4th.
Candidate filing day for all local offices is Tuesday, August 26th, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in the offices of the Otero County Clerk.
Seven major Cloudcroft seats are up for election this year: mayor, two 4-year trustee positions, one 2-year trustee seat, two school board seats, and judge.
Are you running?
On the ballot for Cloudcroft Mayor, Trustee, Judge, or School Board in the 2025 local election?
Join Leadership Cloudcroft on Wednesday, August 27th, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at The Distillery for Meet the Candidates Day.
If you’re running for a local seat, this is your chance to introduce your platform, share your perspective, and take questions from a sharp, engaged cohort ready to dig into the issues that matter.
To reserve a short speaking slot, email meetme@cloudcroftreader.com.
Attendance is limited to speakers and the Leadership Cloudcroft cohort and board.
6 Takeaways: July Cloudcroft Schools Board of Education Meeting
Cloudcroft Schools' midsummer updates. Plus: Cloudcroft Bears lend a helping hand in Ruidoso.
Photos: OCEC Annual Members Meeting
Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, The Sacramento Camp & Conference Center:
Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your Soul
Looking for the perfect place to host your next corporate retreat, church event, or multi-day meeting? Discover Sacramento Camp and Conference Center — where radical hospitality meets stunning mountain views.
From hotel-style lodging, lodges that sleep 100 or more, mouthwatering meals to high ropes adventures, ATV rides, hiking trails and horseback experiences, we have something for everyone. Join us for one of our six weeks of youth and children’s camps, sign up for horse camp or riding lessons, or simply unplug and renew your spirit.
We'd love to welcome you to the mountain — where rest, adventure, and connection await.
Please call 575-722-2267 or email guestservices@sacramentocamp.org with additional questions.
Ruidoso Flooding Update
High Altitude Classic: Sept. 7th
Cloudcroft’s popular annual mountain bike race is back!
Check out Reader Reels on Facebook for exclusive video reports, and more.
Check out Reader videos on YouTube for short reports, mini docs, and more.
Get Your Run On: August 16th
From the Archives:
"Fire Benders": The Hotshot Heroes Talk About Their Lifestyle, Working a Fire, and What Cloudcroft Should Know
Danny Chavez, Luis Soto, Riane Young, and Tirich Garner open up about the hotshot lifestyle, the crew’s award-winners, Lincoln National Forest, and what we can do to protect our homes in Cloudcroft.
Thank you to our sponsor, Blushing Yucca Esthetics:
Promote Your Business
Learn about sponsorship opportunities for your business in support of the Reader. Contact us for more information at sponsorship-info@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like:
Cloudcroft Sandwich Shop
In the heart of downtown Cloudcroft, New MexicoTularosa Communications
Internet that keeps you connected.The Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsNew Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association
We Convert Abandoned Railroad Lines Into Recreational TrailsLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Ski Cloudcroft
Pizza and Summer Tubing start July Fourth!Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
✨ Book your glow-up today✨The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & FineryDown Under Groundwater Surveyors
We find water for youPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connect
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