Fire

Retired Fire Chief Eddie Varela Announces His Campaign For Mayor Of Albuquerque

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Eddie Varela

From the Eddie Varela Mayoral Campaign:

ALBUQUERQUE – Eddie Varela, a Republican and retired fire chief with more than 30 years of public service, today officially announced his campaign for Mayor, pledging “to restore law and order, rebuild trust in government, and prioritize the safety of law-abiding residents”.

Varela’s campaign says it is built on a powerful vision: “Reclaim Albuquerque” — “a city where respect is restored, crime is tackled head-on, and city government puts residents first”.

Varela’s Stated Key Priorities:

  • Restoring Public Safety – No more lawlessness.
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County: Are You Prepared For Fire Season?

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COUNTY News:

            • Wildland Fire Preparedness virtual meeting March 5

Los Alamos Fire Department’s Wildland Fire Division in collaboration with the Los Alamos County Office of Emergency Management will provide a Wildland Fire Preparedness presentation, hosted by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

Local businesses and residents are encouraged to attend the virtual meeting 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, March 5. Experts will discuss tools and knowledge community members can utilize to help reduce wildfire risk to protect individuals and property.

Join the presentation via Zoom, Meeting Read More

SFNF Flies Fixed-Wing Infrared Technology On All Prescribed Fires; Confirms No Residual Heat Present

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SFNF News:

SANTA FE — As early spring weather brings warmer temperatures and winds to northern New Mexico, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) wants to share with its communities that fire managers used a variety of techniques, including aerial infrared monitoring, to confirm no residual heat remains on fall and winter prescribed fire projects.

In late 2024 and early 2025, SFNF fire managers treated hazardous fuels through prescribed fire projects in the following locations:

  • Jemez Ranger District: Hill Unit, Seven Springs Pile, Triangle Pile, Joaquin North;
  • Cuba Ranger District: Deer
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Public Meeting On Fire Station 4 Replacement Project

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COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Public Works and the Los Alamos Fire Department invite the public to an in-person meeting regarding the Fire Station 4 replacement project.

The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, in the Fire Department training room on the third floor of the LAFD Administrative Offices at 999 Central Ave.

The project is in the design phase after the Council’s decision last November to build the new facility adjacent to the existing structure at 4401 Diamond Drive.

The upcoming March 6 meeting will permit the County’s project team to present the new fire station’s Read More

State Unanimously Passes Landmark Wildfire Protection Bill

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A home and landscape after the South Fork Fire in Ruidoso. Photo by Laura Doth

NMFD News:

SANTA FE — Senate Bill 33, establishing grant programs to help New Mexicans fortify their properties to better withstand wildfires, passed the State Senate today on a unanimous vote. 

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Stefanics and Rep. Harlan Vincent, now moves to the House of Representatives. 

The measure creates grant programs to help both local governments and private citizens fortify properties to better withstand wildfires. It also expands an existing Fire Planning Task Force and charges it Read More

County Wildland Fire Preparedness Meeting March 5

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COUNTY News:

Los Alamos Fire Department’s Wildland Fire Division in collaboration with the Los Alamos County Office of Emergency Management will give a Wildland Fire Preparedness presentation, hosted by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Local businesses and residents are encouraged to attend the virtual meeting from 9 – 10 a.m., March 5. Experts will discuss tools and knowledge community members can utilize to help reduce wildfire risk to protect individuals and property. Please join via Zoom.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of preparing in advance for the coming Read More

NJROTC Departs For Regional Competition In Tucson

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The Los Alamos High School NJROTC team did well in the Area 20 East Qualifier Drill last week in Albuquerque, earning them the opportunity to compete this weekend in the Area 20 Quest for Gold Regional Competition at Sahuaria High School in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

The NJROTC team share a cheer this morning prior to departing for Tucson. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

LAFD and LAPD escort the team through town this morning as they depart to compete in the Area 20 Quest for gold Regional Competition for Tucson. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com Read More

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich And Tim Sheehy Introduce Bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act

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From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet and better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfire.

“I have worked for years to expand the operations of Very Large Air Tankers that have proven absolutely essential to firefighters battling large wildfires in New Mexico, Los Angeles, and across the West. This includes securing more than $15 million to upgrade the Cibola National Read More

County Shares Importance Of Safe Disposal Of Hot Ashes

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View of a residential roll cart in which hot ashes were placed, resulting in a curbside fire. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Environmental Services had an incident with a residential roll cart Thursday, Jan. 30, resulting in a curbside fire. The fire was caused by placing hot ashes into the trash cart on the day of service.

The Environmental Services Division would like to remind the community about the importance of safely disposing of hot ashes, especially during the colder winter months when many residents rely on gas furnaces, pellet stoves and fireplaces for heat.

“We are thankful Read More

Luján Meets With Hermit’s Peak Fire Victims To Address Unsettled Claims And Push For Urgent Improvements

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U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jan. 30, U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) convened a meeting with claimants who have unsettled total loss claims from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and Claims Office Director Jay Mitchell. The meeting provided an opportunity for claimants to share their concerns about the process and allow Director Mitchell to provide a direct update on the progress of claims.

“I am thankful to all of the total loss victims who joined us today to tell their devastating stories. Each one of your stories is unique, and we need to hear them. What has become Read More