Wildfire Awareness Month is underway, and the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) is continuing to remind residents about summer safety tips, how to protect your home and property from wildfire, and what the public needs to do to remain vigilant.
Fast reporting can mean the difference between a small, quickly contained fire and a large, destructive wildfire. Key hazard signs to look out for include low humidity, high temperatures, strong winds, and dry vegetation – with 87 to 96 percent of wildfires caused by people.
During peak wildfire season (spring and early summer, roughly April through June), OSI is urging New Mexico residents to keep these reporting and safety tips in mind:
- Report any wildfire or smoke immediately by calling 911 and providing the location and what you are seeing. Never assume someone else has already reported a fire.
- Pay attention to Red Flag Warnings and weather conditions that increase fire danger and follow all state, local, and federal fire restrictions and closures. Information on fire warnings, restrictions, and other news can be found at NMfireinfo.com.
- Contact local authorities before conducting any debris burning or open burning.
Residents can also view the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute’s (NMFWRI) New Mexico Fire Viewer, an interactive web map that provides access to real-time and historical wildfire data. The map is sourced from satellite infrared images and refreshes every few hours. The Fire Viewer includes wildfire data statewide, covering current, recent, and historical fires.
The public should also report fires to regional dispatch centers – contacts are as follows:
- Albuquerque Interagency Dispatch: 505-346-2660
- Santa Fe Dispatch Center: 505-438-5600
- Silver City Dispatch Center: 575-538-5371
- Alamogordo Dispatch Center: 575-437-0778
- Taos Dispatch Center: 575-758-6208
“Early reporting of wildfire saves lives, property, and natural resources. We’re relying on the swift help of the public to aid in identifying fires and contacting appropriate authorities,” said Melissa Robertson, Bureau Chief, Property and Casualty Bureau, OSI. “Something as simple as reporting smoke early or checking fire restrictions before outdoor work can help prevent a dangerous wildfire.”
For more information about wildfire preparedness and insurance resources from OSI, visit this page.
For more information about wildfire prevention and defensible space from New Mexico’s Forestry Division (EMNRD) visit this page.
Residents can also visit this page to review the Wildfire Prepared Home program.
