SANTA FE – In New Mexico, wildfire conditions are generally receding by the month of August, but this year is different. The National Interagency Fire Center's Predictive Services outlook says that we can expect an increase in fire potential into the month of October. The reasons why may be familiar – warmer and drier conditions brought on by climate change, and a relatively calm 2023 fire season in which very little vegetation burned.
Considering this, it's important to remember the main reason wildfires start — human activity. Humans – like you and us – make simple mistakes that can have devastating consequences. Nationally, humans cause nearly 90% of all fires in the United States. In New Mexico since 2019, humans have caused 70% percent of all fires, burning one million acres and costing $52.6 million dollars.
The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Forestry Division is working with local, state, federal, and Tribal partners and non-governmental organizations to provide monthly wildfire preparedness tips and information. This month's "Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round" Message is "Most Wildfires are Human-Caused."
Here's some ways humans cause wildfires:
Unattended Campfires – Many people associate camping with happy memories. Keep it that way by not setting up under trees or near houses, and not setting up on a windy day. Take extra care to extinguish the fire completely by pouring water, stirring, pouring more water and stirring until its cold to the back of your hand.
Cigarettes - A single cigarette butt carelessly discarded is all it can take to ignite and destroy thousands of acres of land. As cannabis is legal in New Mexico, it's also a good idea to maybe just finish that joint. Whatever your preference, stub it out or step it out and throw it in the nearest trashcan.
Vehicles – Fires can be started by both driving and parking your vehicle on a hot day. When driving, make sure your tow chains are tight and not dragging on the concrete. When pulling over or parking, avoid dry grass. The heat from your car's undercarriage can ignite the grass. Only park over gravel, dirt or sand. All vehicles should carry a fire extinguisher.
Tools and Equipment – Working outside with tools and equipment on a hot, dry, and windy day is one of the leading causes of human wildfire starts in the state. Be careful with chainsaws, circular/portable saws, and even table saws set up over dry grassy areas. Use your equipment's spark arrester as designed. A welding blanket or screen can keep sparks contained. When working outside, keep a fire extinguisher and shovel nearby.
Burning Debris - Escaped embers from burning piles of debris or vegetation from yard clean-up can carry for many miles without extinguishing on a windy day. Pay close attention to weather conditions and take caution to burn debris safely. Follow local ordinances and state laws which are designed with prevention criteria.
Powerlines – Dead or wind-fallen trees on powerlines pose a danger to communities. Landowners should always make sure to allow utility companies to do their work and thin within utility rights-of-way.
Keep these in mind as you venture forth into the great outdoors this summer and fall. Take a little time to be smart in your surroundings and remember that New Mexico's hot and dry conditions can turn small mistakes into huge catastrophes.
To get more information about preventing wildfires, go to
https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/
or https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/facts-about-wildfires/
The New Mexico Forestry Division is working with the Forest Stewards Guild and FACNM, the Santa Fe, Cibola
and Carson National Forests, New Mexico Coalition of Conservation Districts, National Park Service, Bureau
of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Land Management New Mexico to continue our wildfire preparedness calendar in 2024 and share the message across multiple platforms, including social media, webinars and community events. Bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage to follow the campaign throughout the year.