Brazos Canyon Volunteer Fire Department

Throughout the July 4^th weekend, members of the Brazos Canyon Volunteer Fire Department conducted patrols throughout the fire district, ensuring members of the community are aware of the Outdoor Burn ban and Fireworks ban that were put in place by Rio Arriba County.  Fortunately, members of the community were able to enjoy themselves safely throughout the holiday weekend with only one outdoor fire located and doused by the property owner after being informed of the ban in place. 

Unfortunately, there was one situation in the Ponderosa neighborhood the Fire Department became involved in.  The morning of July 6^th, a member of the Volunteer Fire Department found a new fawn at the Ponderosa Fire Station that was obviously dropped off by somebody.  The fawn was in poor condition, as seen in the photo below.  Upon further investigation, they learned a group of individuals riding ATVs in the Ponderosa neighborhood had been seen harassing a herd of deer, intentionally separating the fawn from its mother.  After attempts to locate the mother were unsuccessful, contact was made with the Department of Game and Fish and the Wildlife Center in Espanola. The Fire Department was granted approval to transport the fawn to the Wildlife Center in Espanola.  (photo below) The hope is the fawn can be rehabilitated and possibly returned to the Brazos area. Law enforcement was also called to the scene but due to another emergency call they were unable to make any citations.

Please note, it is not uncommon for does to have fawns close to homes because there is less risk of other predators being in the area.  If you see a fawn do not assume it’s been abandoned.  It is likely the mother is close by and under no circumstances should you move the fawn.  If you notice the fawn alone for a long period of time, please contact New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. (505) 222-4700.

Property owners in the district know that wildlife is abundant in the area and while it is not uncommon to have wildlife approach homes, it’s important to remember it is illegal to interfere with or harass wildlife.   If you see individuals approaching or harassing wildlife, please contact law enforcement right away or call 1-800-432-4263 with Game and Fish.