Don’t “fall” behind

Santa Fe, NM – Fall is not the time to fall behind on wildfire preparedness. Although much of New Mexico has seen a robust monsoon season, large wildfires in other parts of the country have created competition for firefighting resources at the national level. The national wildland fire preparedness level is currently at 4 out of a possible 5, which means approximately 60% of all incident management teams and firefighting personnel are committed to incidents, and some fires may last until winter snow falls, putting additional stress on exhausted personnel.

The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Forestry Division and its partners are sharing the Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round campaign message for September: Don’t “fall” behind on wildfire preparedness!

Monsoon rains have resulted in heavy growth of annual grasses and weeds. Once this vegetation dries out, they can become a fire hazard around your home. Wildfires can spread quickly in dry grass. Mowing and clearing weeds now helps minimize that threat by reducing available fuels and give you a jump start for next spring.

  • Cut grasses and weeds within 100 feet of structures with a mower or weed eater to a height of 4 inches or less.

  • Rake and remove clippings within 30 feet of structures.

For additional information, check the National Fire Protection Association’s guidance on protecting your home from wildfire.

As we transition into fall, we would like to thank the many firefighters, first responders and support personnel who have helped protect our communities and natural resources throughout a devastating fire season. Their dedication and hard work are essential to the success of the national wildland fire management program. The wildland fire program’s top priority is always the health and safety of firefighters and the public. At the end of the day, we want everyone to return home safely to their families and loved ones.

New Mexico’s local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) may be able to provide help after a wildfire or post-fire impacts. For a listing of SWCDs, visit the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts (NMACD) website. Additional information can also be found on the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at https://www.nmdhsem.org/.

The New Mexico Forestry Division is working with the Carson, Cibola, and Santa Fe National Forests, Forest Stewards Guild, Fire Adapted NM, New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Land Management New Mexico to continue our Wildfire preparedness is Year-Round calendar in 2022 and share the message across multiple platforms. This includes social media, webinars, and community events. Bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage to follow the campaign throughout the year.