Silver City, NM, March 15, 2025---An informal meeting for the residents of Pinos Altos and nearby areas is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 5:30 PM, at the Pinos Altos Opera House. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase from The Buckhorn restaurant. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly. The purpose of the meeting is to share wildfire mitigation information and connect as a community.

Damie Nelson, a Pinos Altos resident and meeting organizer, states, "My husband and I are well-aware that we live in a fire-prone area. Less than two years ago, we evacuated because of the Rico Fire. We were lucky in that instance, as was the village of Pinos Altos. The wind direction and a swift, strong response from firefighters, slurry bombers and helicopters prevented a larger disaster. But the current fire season, which is already upon us, looks to be severe. We can't afford to let the recent snow make us complacent. This is the first of what I hope will be more meetings where we can come together to support one another, share information and fire mitigation strategies, and be proactive."

Nelson continued, "We have two confirmed speakers. Lucy Whitmarsh, former chief of Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire and Rescue, will speak about how her neighborhood, Dos Griegos, became an official Firewise Community. Then a couple who are Pinos Altos residents will discuss their efforts to create defensible space on their property and still maintain the mountain forest beauty."

In addition to this meeting, a more formal meeting is being planned for April at the Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire and Rescue firehouse.