Fire destroys safe haven in Portales

On Tuesday morning, while lying in a tent that blocked out swarming flies, Michael Martinez grappled with the fire that killed several of his dogs and left him without a bathroom. 

"It's just hard to get a grasp," he said.

Martinez is just one of several people impacted by a fire on Ivy Street in Portales on Saturday. It left a complex for unhoused people needing a residence, running water and a stove in ruins.

According to Portales Fire Chief T.J. Cathey, "A single story residence, three recreational vehicles, and an outbuilding" were "fully involved" when firefighters arrived. He said one firefighter was injured fighting the blaze. "They were assessed at the (emergency room) and will return to work as per the work release given by the doctor," he said.

Cathey said he did not know exactly how many people lived in the complex.

This former safe haven was owned by Gus Webb, a disabled veteran who fought in Vietnam and is revered for his generosity. 

Randy Eakins, who stayed there for over a year, said he was "grateful" that Webb opened up his residence to him. It offered him a place to park his camper, and wash his hands and face. Eakins found it to be more suitable than sleeping on the streets or in a shelter.

"He helped a lot of people," Eakins said of Webb who was staying at a nearby motel. 

Cathey said the cause of the fire is under investigation with the state fire marshal. Martinez, however, said the fire started "when someone was cooking in the back room and I guess they didn't turn it down all the way and it caught something on fire. By the time I knew it everything was engulfed."

Tina Dziuk, economic development director with the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce, dropped off food and supplies after hearing about the tragedy. She said it was likely a propane fire because the house didn't have electricity. 

Upon arrival, Dziuk could still smell the smoke, but was elated to see how community members rallied together and brought canned food, bottled water and clothes. 

Martinez and Eakins are thankful for what people have supplied, but say that more is still needed. With triple-digit temperatures expected this week, water, Gatorade and cases of Diet Coke are quickly running out. Furthermore, several basic necessities are still missing. 

For example, there are no plates. So Martinez had to place his tortilla chips on a red blanket inside his tent before dipping them in salsa. Martinez said plates, napkins and eating utensils would be incredibly helpful. 

Then there's the dog situation. Shortly before the fire, one of several dogs gave birth to a litter of puppies. Martinez said some of them were killed by the fire. And dogs that didn't die or run away when the fire broke out still need food and water. 

"All our stuff burned up. The dogs (lost) everything," Martinez said with a heavy sigh. 

A GoFundMe has been started for Webb and had raised $300 early this week.

 "His (Webb's) water has been turned off for a while and he said the best thing that we could do is help him turn it back on. I guess the pipes still work and there's a faucet. He said it'll be about $300. Please help Gus," the description reads. 

"It's just hard," Martinez said while a bare-footed woman with thick, purple toes and missing teeth scrounged for food nearby.