Local, state, and federal agency representatives discussed how residents can best prevent wildfires through communication, planning, and individual action. Fire response agencies expect this to be an active year for wildfire and there are steps state residents and visitors can take to reduce the potential for loss of life and property: Create a minimum 30-foot defensible space zone around your home; Pile firewood and other flammables well away from your home and other structures; Keep access roads free of debris and vegetation to improve access for firefighters and escape in case of wildfire; Clean needles, leaves and other debris from roofs and gutters; Consider constructing or renovating with fire resistant building materials; Prune trees near structures and remove excess ground fuels such as fallen needles, cones and branches. While enjoying New Mexico’s many forested private and public lands, it is suggested that residents and visitors: Know Before You go: Call the statewide toll-free Fire Restriction Hotline at 1-877-864-6985 or log onto FireRestrictions.us; Build a campfire in established campgrounds with approved fire pits and grills; Never leave a campfire unattended; be sure it is dead out and cold to the touch before leaving; Never park vehicles in tall grass or shrubs where hot catalytic converters may spark dry vegetation; Never toss lit cigarettes or e-cigarettes out of cars; Abide by smoking restrictions in forested areas; Keep in mind that the use of fireworks is always prohibited on all public lands including state parks or national forests. For more information on wildfire prevention, how to create defensible space to protect lives and property, log onto: www.nmforestry.com, www.nmfireinfo.com or www.firewise.org. For more information on preparing your homes and families, visit the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management’s Family Preparedness Guide: http://www.nmdhsem.org/. ]]>
