Matthew McConaughey promotes donations for Ruidoso fire relief

Natassia Paloma
| Specially for the Times

A Hollywood actor joined the effort to help Ruidoso residents by sharing a donation link with millions of followers on social media.

Matthew McConaughey posted on Facebook and Instagram on Thursday, July 18, about how to help people affected by wildfires and floods.

The actor has a combined total of 19.8 million followers across both platforms.

The post was originally shared by the village of Ruidoso and included information on how to donate to the Shelter Fund, which provides daily assistance to families.

More: Matthew McConaughey Filming in Ruidoso for New Movie ‘The Lost Bus’

McConaughey was spotted filming in Ruidoso in early April, just months before the South Fork and Salt fires devastated communities in the area and left two people dead.

Ruidoso coincidentally served as the backdrop for the film “The Lost Bus,” about a deadly wildfire in California. McConaughey played a bus driver and teacher who helps during the Camp Fire, the country’s deadliest wildfire in a century, according to IMDB.

The town of Ruidoso was quick to respond to McConaughey’s gesture.

“Thank you Matthew McConaughey! The Community Foundation of Lincoln County has been a tremendous steward of our community and those impacted by the recent fires and floods,” the village posted.

Ruidoso expects more flooding

Although the South Fork and Salt Fires are largely contained, the town of Ruidoso is now dealing with devastating flooding on a daily basis.

A flood warning is in effect for Friday, June 19, as more storms are expected in the region over the weekend, bringing extreme rainfall amounts of up to two inches in some areas, the National Weather Service said.

Burns from wildfires can cause flash floods, turning roads into rivers and making them impassable, and causing streams to overflow their banks. People in low-lying areas are forced to move to higher ground.

According to the National Weather Service, the chance of rain remains as usual with monsoon rains, with daily afternoon thunderstorms next week.