Hi FACNM Members,
With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner people are eager to get outside after months of staying home, so this week we are dedicating Wildfire Wednesday to Wildfire Prevention.
In New Mexico, nearly half of the wildfires since 2000 have been human caused. People start wildfires in a variety of ways, including vehicle exhaust pipes, cigarette butts, dragging chains, and poorly extinguished campfires. The amount of human caused wildfires is closely correlated with summer holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day when many more people are out (Guild 2018). With that in mind, please be safe this Memorial Day weekend, always check for fire restrictions before you recreate outdoors.
This week’s Wildfire Wednesday includes:
Fire prevention messages to be posted and shared on social media
Some helpful links to check fire restrictions across the state
COVID Outdoor Recreation Guidelines from the State of New Mexico
A recent court decision holds PG&E accountable for the Camp fire that burned through the town of Paradise, CA and killed 85.
Stay safe,
Gabe
Please Help us Prevent Wildfire! Use these social media posts!
Please help prevent wildfire by sharing these messages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or over email. If this simple step prevents one wildfire, it could save lives and will help keep our first responders safe during the 2020 fire season. Just add the flyer as a photo and use our suggested caption, or create one of your own. Then, like and follow the FACNM Facebook page so we can see your post!
Recreate Safely
Click Here to Download this Flyer!
Suggested Caption: Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: We all need your help to prevent wildfires this summer. The statewide average of human-caused wildfires in New Mexico is 48% of all wildfires and most of these fires can be prevented. Don’t drag chains, check spark arrestors on vehicles and equipment and for information about preventing wildfires over Memorial Day Weekend, visit https://nmfireinfo.com/ Suggested Hashtags: #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm
Know Before You Go
Click Here to Download this Flyer!
Suggested Caption: Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: Know Before You Go! Before you make plans to have any smores over the campfire check for current fire restrictions. For more information, call the Fire Restrictions Hotline: 1-877-864-6985 or visit https://firerestrictions.us/nm/
Suggested Hashtags: #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm
Do Your Part, Don’t Let A Wildfire Start
Click Here to Download this Flyer!
Suggested Caption: Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: Firefighters and first responders are needed more than ever to keep America safe . Prevent wildfires by following fire restrictions, postponing debris burning, and using campfire alternatives.
Suggested Hashtags: #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm
Current fire restrictions in New Mexico
Currently there are 74 different fire restrictions in place issued by the State of New Mexico, Counties, Pueblos and Tribes, and Federal agencies including NPS, USFS, BLM, BIA. These fire restrictions are in place to prevent human started wildfires that threaten firefighters and the public.
It’s safe to assume that if you choose to recreate outdoors this Memorial Day weekend, campfires will be forbidden where you’re going. In addition, things such as fireworks, smoking outside of designated areas, welding, and driving off road through dry vegetation are prohibited in many circumstances as well.
To check on fire restrictions across New Mexico and in a specific locations please visit: https://firerestrictions.us/nm/
On this site you can click on the map at the top of the page to see the fire restrictions that apply to your area or scroll through all restrictions that have been issued state wide or by jurisdiction.
State of New Mexico - COVID Outdoor Recreation Guidelines
Be Safe, Respectful While Enjoying the Outdoors
#RecreateResponsibly, New Mexico
The State of New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division has issued some guidance for recreating while minimizing the potential to escalate impacts. all know the solace and comfort that spending some time outdoors can provide and it’s possible to get out here and stay safe too.
You can read the full guidance here but check out the ten rules below. The second rule is about preventing wildfires!
Ten rules for New Mexicans looking to get outside:
The health of others should still be your top priority. Bring a mask whenever you recreate and put in on when approaching other groups. Practice physical distancing.
Forget about campfires. There are statewide fire restrictions in place. Check this site for details on fire bans before you go on a trip.
Avoid crowded trailheads. Have a back-up plan if your favorite spot is too crowded. Remember, the State Parks that are open are operating under limited, day-use only capacity.
Check for closures. Check the land management agencies’ websites before venturing out to recreate. Many of these places are closed right now to protect both recreationists and staff.
Practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack it in, pack it out. Protect your fellow outdoor recreationists. Protect the natural resources.
Be prepared. Many developed recreation sites (including bathrooms) remain closed. Be self-sufficient by bringing in your own snacks, waters, and trash bags.
You can only camp overnight at dispersed, remote campsites. All public and private developed campsites remain closed.
You can book some outdoor guided trips and coaching sessions. You must still adhere to all group-size limits and physical distancing rules. Don’t go out if you are sick. If you are not exhibiting symptoms, wear a mask to protect your guide or coach.
Gear rentals can resume. So long as the equipment is properly and thoroughly sanitized between uses.
Public gatherings, events, and camping in developed sites are still banned.
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) holds PG&E accountable for Wildfires
The electrical grid is one of the key sources of human-caused wildfires. A recent court decision holds public utilities accountable for wildfires started by faulty infrastructure.
In California, PG&E is being required to pay a $1.93 billion penalty for starting wildfires in 2017 and 2018 that included The Camp Fire that burned through Paradise, CA. Hopefully, this decision sends a strong message to public utilities that they are accountable for wildfires created by faulty infrastructure. Still, with the windy and dry conditions in New Mexico this time of year, it is essential that we all play our part and report unsafe conditions to our electric utility providers.
To read the full story, click here.
Webinar Recordings:
Did you miss the FACNM Home Ignition Zone Webinar? View the recording of the Webinar here: https://facnm.org/prepare