Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round

By SFNF

Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July by participating in popular Independence Day traditions, including fireworks, parades, picnics, barbecues and recreating on national forests and other public lands. While these pastimes usually make happy memories, if handled irresponsibly, they can put our public lands and communities at risk from human-ignited wildfires – the leading cause of wildfire across New Mexico.

While recent moisture has decreased fire danger, much of Northern New Mexico is still in long-term drought and visitors should continue to use extreme caution. The Santa Fe National Forest(SFNF), in cooperation with partners, is asking residents and visitors to please celebrate responsibly and be prepared for wildfire. Continuing our “wildfire preparedness is year-round” campaign, our message for July is spark celebration, not wildfire.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting public lands on the Fourth of July and beyond:

·       Always check for fire restrictions and closures on public land BEFORE you leave. If you are staying in town, many municipalities have fire restrictions that are not listed in the link above. Be sure to check with your local fire department or government agency for restrictions before building a campfire or lighting fireworks.

·       Fireworks are always prohibited on national forests. Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Check your local events calendar for a firework display that you can enjoy without contributing to wildfire risk in your area.

A large part of our wildfire preparedness campaign is aimed at homeowners, especially in the wildland-urban interface, helping them prepare for wildfire. July is wildfire season in New Mexico, and although you may not be lighting off fireworks, your neighbors may have different plans. Enjoy your Independence Day celebration and rest easy by hardening your home to embers and flames.

·       Don’t lose your house to a spark gone astray.Clean your gutters and roof to prepare your home for wildfire season and the Fourth of July.

·       Reduce the risk of ember ignition to your house by preparing the 5’ zone around your structure.

·       Create defensible space in the 30’ zonearound your house so that you have a fighting chance to save it in the event of a wildfire.

The SFNF is working with the Cibola and CarsonNational Forests, New Mexico Forestry Division,Forest Stewards Guild, Fire Adapted NM andBureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office to build a 2021 wildfire preparedness calendar and share the message across multiple platforms, including social media, webinars and community events. Bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage on facnm.org to follow the campaign throughout the year and catch up with earlier posts.