Fire

State Forester McCarthy: Properly Trained Volunteers Are Critical To New Mexico Wildfire Suppression Efforts

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By LAURA MCCARTHY 
New Mexico State Forester

May 10, at approximately 4 p.m., a wildfire started near Las Tusas – some of the only green forest left standing after the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire last year.

Buffeted by winds from the southwest and fueled by timber, brush and grass, the fire traveled quickly through a populated rural community just a dozen miles north of Las Vegas. Approximately 470 structures were threatened, including primary homes, RVs, stables and other outbuildings; lives were at stake. 

As people evacuated their homes, more than 100 volunteer firefighters rushed toward Read More

Los Alamos County Fire Marshal Shares List Of Prohibited And Permissible Fireworks

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COUNTY News:

As July 4th approaches, thoughts turn to outdoor events and of course fireworks. To make sure Independence Day activities do not turn tragic – follow some simple rules and guidelines.

The Los Alamos County Fire Department Fire Marshal shares a list of prohibited and permissible fireworks, which is in accordance with New Mexico State Statue – the Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act 60-2C7 that describes permissible and non-permissible fireworks.

Remember “legal” does not mean that fireworks are safe; these are explosives and should be used responsibly!

Before shooting fireworks, Read More

Forest Stewards Guild: Celebrate With One Less Spark

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Forest Stewards Guild News:

SANTA FE — Every New Mexican knows the beginning of July may mark the start of monsoon season.

With monsoons, comes lightning, and not always with rain. As Fourth of July weekend approaches, remember fireworks are illegal on most public lands and always illegal on National Forest Land no matter what day of the year.

Let’s work together to reduce unwanted human-caused fires during this holiday weekend, especially when some natural wildfire starts could be around the corner!

This month’s Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round Message: Celebrate with One Less Spark!   Read More

BLM Farmington & Taos Implement Fire Restrictions Across Public Lands

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BLM News:

FARMINGTON — Due to increased fire danger and prolonged drought, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing fire restrictions in San Juan, Rio Arriba, Taos, Colfax, Union, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Mora, Harding and San Miguel counties, as well as portions of public land in McKinley and Sandoval counties.   

The restrictions are effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.  

Prohibited acts include:  

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove, including in campgrounds and picnic areas. Allowed: 
Read More

Nominations Sought For 2022-2023 Medal Of Valor

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Justice Department News:

The Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Programs is calling for nominations for the 2022-2023 Medal of Valor—the Nation’s highest award for valor by a public safety officer.

Use the frequently asked questions page to aid in preparing a compelling nomination.

Who’s eligible to be nominated?

  • A “public safety officer” is a person (living or deceased) who is serving or has served in a public agency, with or without compensation, as a firefighter; law enforcement officer, including a corrections, court, or civil defense officer; or emergency services officer,
Read More

Nearly $47 Million In Funding From Governor Priority Bill Granted For Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Recovery

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The Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Post file photo

STATE News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Wednesday the state has approved $46.9 million in zero-interest loans to Mora and San Miguel counties provided through Senate Bill 6, a governor’s priority bill that she signed into law earlier this year. 

The funding will be used for projects that replace or repair public infrastructure damaged by fire, flooding, or debris flows after the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. These funds are the first allocation from the bipartisan Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire recovery bill signed Read More

New Mexico Delegation Urges HUD To Support Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Relief

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STATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) called on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to acknowledge and examine the unmet needs of New Mexicans as a result of the 2022 wildfire disasters.

In their letter, the lawmakers ask HUD for clarity on its approach to assessing the states’ needs and request information on HUD’s efforts in collaborating with other federal agencies on relief.

Last year, following the worst Read More

Award-Winning Documentary ‘Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire’ Premieres June 21 At The Lensic 

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Courtesy/Lensic

The Lensic News:

SANTA FE — As fire season approaches, the critically-acclaimed, award-winning documentary ELEMENTAL: REIMAGINE WILDFIRE will premiere in Santa Fe June 21 at The Lensic (ElementalFilm.com).

Doors open at 6 p.m., film at 6:30 p.m. The film will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Santa Fe County Commissioner Anna Hamilton featuring Deputy Chief United States Forest Service Jim Furnish (Ret.), Porfirio Chavarria, Wildland Urban Interface Fire Specialist, Santa Fe Fire Department, Madeleine Carey, Southwest Conservation Manager, Wild Earth Guardians, Read More

New Mexico Congressional Delegation Calls On USPS For Plan To Restore Postal Service To Chimayó Following Fire

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Chimayó Post Office before destroyed by fire in February. Courtesy photo

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) urged United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for a plan of action to restore postal service to the community of Chimayó.

In February, the U.S. Post Office in Chimayó was destroyed by a fire. While the USPS rerouted mail to the Santa Cruz Post Office, the distance of as much as 20 miles roundtrip puts mail service out of reach for Read More

Forest Guild: When Wind Blows … Embers May Follow

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FOREST GUILD News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico has experienced a slower fire season than several in the recent past, yet we have still lost homes and structures to wildfires. While it’s not possible to predict the start of every wildfire, we can think about wildfire from our home’s perspective and take actions to reduce potential risks. Even the smallest ember can pose a risk to homes and structures when deposited by the wind, which leads us to this month’s Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round Message: When Wind Blows, Embers May Follow!  

Embers from wildfires can travel up to a mile from their source Read More