Much of New Mexico from the East Mountains outside of Albuquerque, to Angel Fire and Silver City, Santa Fe and Ruidoso are considered a high fire environment. Based on past experience, the areas possess all the ingredients necessary to support large, intense and uncontrollable wildfires.

Within this hazardous evironment, there are individual houses,subdivisions and entire communities. Many of these home owners, however, are ill- prepared to survive an intense wildfire. Since it is not a question of "if" a wildfire will occur but "when", the likelyhood of human life and propertyloss is great and growing.

There is increasing recognition that our ability to live more safely in this fire environment depends on "pre-fire activities". Pre-fire activities are actions taken before wildfire occurs which improve the survivability of people and homes. We cannot "fire-proof" the forest, but we can provide for proper vegetation management around the home(known as defensible space), use of fire resistant building materials, appropriate subdivision design and other measures. Reasearch clearly indicates that pre-fire activities save lives and property.

The look of our Southwest forests has changed dramatically during this century. Throughout our forests there is a huge biomass increase. In many instances, tree size is smaller, stands more dense and insect and disease outbreaks rampant. Fire, which plays an integral role in our Southwest forest's ecosystem, can become catastophic due to fuel buildup.

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Forestry Division's Forest Health Initiative is looking at numerous solutions to help implement pre-fire activities throughout New Mexico.

For additional information and sources of of assistance contact your nearest State Forestry District Office, East Mountain Treesor your local Fire Department.

The "Why We're Worried About Wildfire" Equation

Information contained herein follows EMNRD,FEMA and NMSFMO guidelines. Some information is verbatim from "Living With Fire A Guide for the Homeowner" available at any fire station. The general rule here is to do something to protect yourself and your home by taking responsibility for the fire conditions on your property. After all, we do live in a "Fire Environment" and some steps are necessary, else we experience a Los Alamos-type disaster. Sources for assistance are numerous-you may want to consider the Ranger Station as a good starting point or your local fire station. They are willing to help anyone who requires it.

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