Inmates fill sandbags for northern New Mexico burn scars

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SANTA FE, N.M. — During monsoon season, it’s all heads on deck when it comes to staying safe from fast-moving storms.

Inmates at the state penitentiary have filled tens of thousands of sandbags for the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak burn scar area in northern New Mexico.

Ten inmates with good conduct records were assigned to the program this year, and together, they were able to fill 200 to 300 sandbags per day.

“The inmates like to do this, they enjoy being out here and helping the community in need. They really enjoy it,” said Ralph Rodriguez, deputy warden at the Penitentiary of New Mexico.

The sandbags will be distributed to people in the flood zone.