Fire

Santa Fe National Forest Prescribed Fire Update

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Pacheco Canyon pile burn. Courtesy/SFNF 

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Fire managers from the SFNF Española Ranger District are planning to begin the Pacheco Canyon pile burn project today, Feb. 15.

The Pacheco Canyon piles are located northeast of Santa Fe, N.M. and consist of 253 acres of debris left after  fuel reduction projects that involve thinning or cutting of trees in the forest. The decision to proceed with each pile burn depends on multiple factors including persistent snowpack, air quality, ventilation, and resource availability. 

Smoke may be visible in the Santa Fe vicinity as fire crews Read More

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Offices Closed Presidents Day

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FEMA News:

SANTA FE — The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims offices in Las Vegas, Mora and Santa Fe and the Helpline will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, in observance of Presidents Day.

The public may leave a voice message on the Helpline at 505.995.7133 and those calls will be returned during regular hours of operation Tuesday, Feb. 20.

Claims Office locations and hours of operation: 

  • The Santa Fe Claims Office, is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday at 1711 Llano St., Suite E.
  • The Las Vegas Claims Office, at 216 Mills Ave., and Mora Claims Office, at 1 Courthouse Drive, are open 7:30 a.m.
Read More

Wildfire Preparedness Year-Round: Know Ready, Set, Go!

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Forest Stewards Guild News:

SANTA FE — It is vital to have an evacuation plan in place for you and your family. The 2024 Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round campaign provides monthly wildfire preparedness tasks that follow the changing seasons.

The February message from the Forest Stewards Guild and the Fire Adapted NM learning network, partners, agencies and non-governmental organizations is, “Get to Know Ready, Set, Go!.”

Whether you live in the wildland-urban interface or in a rural area in the mountains, communication is key during wildfire season. Be sure to register with your local Read More

Scenes From LAPSA 2023 Awards Presentation For Outstanding Public Safety Service For A Fellow Citizen

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Los Alamos Police Cmdr. Daniel Roberts, center, presents the 2023 LAPSA Award to Los Alamos Auxiliary Fire Brigade President Nate Conroy, right, and Incident Cmdr. Matt Holmes in recognition of their outstanding public safety service for a fellow citizen. The presentation was made during LAPSA’s annual banquet Thursday evening at the Posse Lodge. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Cmdr. Daniel Roberts, center, presents the 2023 LAPSA Award to Auxiliary Fire Brigade President Nate Conroy, right, and Incident Cmdr. Matt Holmes. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Narrative detailing Read More

SFNF: Pile Burning Planned In Española Ranger District

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Scene of Mesa Verde pile burns in Jemez Ranger District. Courtesy/SFNF

Scene of Mesa Verde pile burns in Jemez Ranger District. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

Santa Fe—Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers are tentatively planning to begin ignitions as early as this week on pile burn projects located near Hyde Park Road in the Española Ranger District.

The Hyde Park unit is 642 acres of debris left after fuel reduction projects that involve thinning or cutting of trees in the forest. The decision to proceed with each pile burn depends on multiple factors including persistent snowpack, air Read More

Guide Now Available To Help People With Claims Process

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FEMA News:

SANTA FE — The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office released its Program and Policy Guide (PPG). The release opens up to the public how decisions are made about claim eligibility and value.

The Guide is an important step in the agency’s effort to build transparency about the program and how it is serving impacted claimants.

The Guide includes high level details about policies and processes that support impacted individuals, businesses, organizations, and governments. It provides information for everyone who is already part of the claims process as well as those thinking about Read More

Scenes From LAFD’s 2024 Fire Recruit Academy Class #32

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Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes addresses the members of the Fire Recruit Academy Class #32 this morning during their graduation ceremony at Crossroads Bible Church. Chief Hughes highlighted their achievements and emphasized their dedication to serving and safeguarding the Los Alamos County community. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Family, friends and community members gather this morning for the graduation ceremony of the Los Alamos Fire Recruit Academy Class #32 at Crossroads Bible Church. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Sarah Hinze pins the firefighter badge on Read More

Op/Ed: Excluding Volunteer Firefighters From New Mexico’s Cancer Presumptive Law Poses Serious Health Risks

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By JONATHAN SHARP
Chief Financial Officer
Environmental Litigation Group, P.C.

Without a doubt, firefighting is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Firefighters are susceptible to smoke inhalation, burns, and crush injuries from collapsing structures. However, a more insidious health threat they regularly face is toxic exposure, which is often responsible for cancer.

When extinguishing blazes, firefighters can breathe in formaldehyde, asbestos, benzene, carbon monoxide, as well as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Often dubbed PFAS or “forever Read More

Community Invited To Fire Recruit Academy Graduation

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Members of the Los Alamos Fire Department Fire Recruit Academy Class #32. Courtesy/LAFD

LAFD News:

The Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) has announced the graduation of Fire Recruit Academy Class #32, after completing a rigorous 26-week training program.

LAFD extends a warm invitation to the community, friends and family to join the Department in honoring the accomplishments of these brave individuals at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan.19 at Crossroads Bible Church (97 East Road East).  

The ceremony will highlight the achievements of each recruit and emphasize their dedication to serving and safeguarding Read More

FEMA Begins New Mexico Recovery Operation Transition

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FEMA News:

SANTA FE — In the coming weeks, FEMA will begin the process of consolidating all recovery operations in New Mexico into a single unified operation, including the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office.

This initiative is specifically designed to boost efficiency and streamline processes, ultimately benefiting impacted individuals and communities.

As part of this process, current staff will be integrated into the new operational structure, and we will be establishing a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role to lead the on-the-ground long-term recovery efforts and to reflect Read More