ARTESIA — Artesia is joining the rest of Southern New Mexico in offering support to residents of Ruidoso and Alto as evacuation orders continue due to the ongoing South Fork and Salt Fires.

On Monday, the Eddy County Fair Board announced that it was opening the Eddy County Fairgrounds on South 13th Street to anyone fleeing the fires. The fairgrounds are open to livestock and RVs, with horse stalls, RV spaces and more than 100 livestock pens available.

The fairgrounds gates have been opened, and contact numbers include: • Horses/Cattle: 575-308-2367

• Small Animals: 575-513-0479

• RVs: 575-513-9139 The Artesia Recreation Center, 612 N. Eighth St., is open to evacuees and can be reached at 575-746-9009. Pecos Inn, 2209 W. Main St., is currently offering a discounted rate for evacuees and can be contacted at 575-748-3324.

For those wishing to donate items, such as clothing, water, non-perishable food items, hygiene supplies, blankets, pillows, towels, pet supplies, sleeping bags, air mattresses, or …

… books, games, puzzles and activities for children, two local drop-off options are currently available:

• KSVP Radio Office: 317 W. Quay Ave.

• Faith Baptist Church: 401 S. 20th St.

• Feelsgood Tattoo, in coordination with West Main Baptist Church: 604 S. 13th St.

Artesia’s veterinary clinics — Artesia Animal Clinic at 110 W. Mahone Drive and Critter Care Center at 609 W. Richardson Ave. — are also open to those in need of emergency animal services. Artesia Animal Clinic is capable of servicing livestock and large animals.

The Ruidoso Animal Clinic was safely evacuated as of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and referred pet and livestock owners to the Artesia facilities. Artesia Animal Clinic can be reached at 575-748-2042 and Critter Care at 575736-8888.

Artesia General Hospital announced via Facebook that it stands ready to help as needed. The hospital, 702 N. 13th St., can be reached at 575-748-3333.

The Lincoln National Forest announced Tuesday morning that, while it appreciates the public’s desire to donate food and other items to fire crews working the blazes, firefighters are well provided for. Residents are asked not to attempt to enter the fire area with donations for safety reasons.