1. New Mexico Wildfires [Name] [Position] Department … [contact info]

2. New Mexico Wildfires Wildfire Background Disaster Readiness Survival and Recovery

3. Wildfire Background A Fire Typology Crown Fire –Top to top Surface Fire –Brush –Grass* –Lower branches Ground Fire –Forest litter, –Duff –Roots Spot Fire –Firebrands

4. Wildfire Background Grass Fires* – Particularly Dangerous Hot, Intense and Wind Sensitive –Variable wind direction –Variable wind speed 4 mph wind increase 3 foot flame jumps to 15 feet

5. Wildfire Background Three Ways Wildfire Spreads Contact by Flames Radiated Heat Spotting Fire

6. Wildfire Background Fire Causes –Human –Lightning 2006 Fires as of Mid-April –537 Human caused - 242,460 acres burned –9 Lighting strikes - 99 acres burned

7. Wildfire Background Two Fire Seasons Spring - First and Worst –Normally May 1 st to July 15th –No rain + dry winds + vegetation Fall – after Monsoon –Reduced moisture –Plant die out/dry out

8. Wildfire Background Drought in New Mexico Every 10 years on average Length of drought varies Effects on fire season Starts earlier Lasts longer Increased number of fires

9. Wildfire Background Drought Threat Estimate 20 homes destroyed 2000 people evacuated Evacuations more than 3 days

10. Wildfire Background At Risk Then… –Forest –Grass and now –Urban sprawl into Wildlands –Extends danger to more people and property

11. Wildfire Readiness Are You Prepared?

12. Wildfire Readiness Survival Factor One - Roofing Material Build/remodel with Class A or B fire resistant materials Class A fire-rated materials (2 - 4 hrs before ignition) Tile, clay tile, concrete and slate shingles Metal (with gypsum underlay) Asphalt (fiber-glass reinforced) Fiber-cement shingles

13. Wildfire Readiness Survival Factor One - Roofing Material Class B fire-rated materials (1 hr before ignition) Pressure treated shingles Pressure treated shakes Class C is not recommended (20 min before ignition) Wood shakes and shingles Plywood Particleboard Asphalt (mineral reinforced)

14. Wildfire Readiness Survival Factor Two – Defensible Space Area where vegetation & fuels are Cleared Reduced Treated Purpose Slows the spread of fire to the structure Slows the spread of fire from the structure Room for firefighters to work

15. Wildfire Readiness Three Defense Zones Size Varies –Building size and shape –Construction –Slope of site –Surrounding topography –Vegetation size and type

16. Wildfire Readiness Zone 1 Area 15 feet from structure edges Key Points –Plant nothing within 3 to 5 feet of structure –Do not store firewood/flammables –Enclose /screen decks –Remove trees or reduce to one Prune to 15 ft crown Remove fuel ladders: leaves brush, shrubs

17. Wildfire Readiness Area 75 to 125 feet from structure edges –Slope & Topography –Increase distance –Example 90 ft Uphill 104 ft downhill Zone 2

18. Wildfire Readiness Zone 2 Key Points –Reduce fuels Remove stressed, diseased, dead trees and shrubs Thin and prune the rest to 10 feet between crowns Thin along driveways to main access road Mow grasses –Slopes Allow more space between crowns Move firewood/woodpiles at least 30 feet up slope

19. Wildfire Readiness Zone 2 Key Points Locate propane tanks at least 30 feet from structure –Preferably on same elevation –Do not screen tanks with shrubs or vegetation –Clear all vegetation within 10 feet of tanks Dispose of slash

20. Wildfire Readiness Zone 3 Undefined area beyond Zone 2 Key Points Thinning based on land management objectives Species based on area Consult Forestry Division experts Mowing is not necessary Pruning is generally not necessary.

21. Wildfire Readiness Landscaping Defensible Space Trees & Shrubs –Choose species that are fire resistant –Maintenance is still important Native Grasses –Lower (shorter) growing –Less maintenance –Seed available & inexpensive

22. Wildfire Readiness Landscaping Defensible Space “Fire Wise Plant Materials” –Lists trees and shrubs –Available on the Web at http://aces.nmsu.edu/defensible_zone/protect/docs_pdf/fire_wise.pdf “Grass Seed Mixes to Reduce Wildfire Hazard” –Native & non-native mixes –Listed by altitude range –Available on the Web at http://aces.nmsu.edu/defensible_zone/protect/docs_pdf/grass_seed.pdf

23. Wildfire Readiness A defensible space might look like the one shown here.

24. Wildfire Readiness Before Wildfire Threatens Use the Annual Checklist Defensible space cleared of trash and debris Keep roof, gutters and chimneys clean Grass & weeds mowed Test smoke/CO detectors Check fire extinguishers Update Your Disaster Supplies Kit Food, water and supplies for three days + First Aid Kit Key Financial and personal papers Plan for pet survival/removal

25. Wildfire Readiness When Wildfire Threatens Stay Informed & Prepare to Leave Make vehicles ready for escape Confine pets Arrange for housing Load Emergency Supplies Kit & Vital Documents Packet Evacuate When Instructed Wear protective clothing Lock your home Let someone know your plans Drive away from fire

26. Wildfire Readiness When Wildfire Threatens –If you have time Close windows, vents, doors. Shut off gas Open fireplace damper; close fireplace screen. Remove flammable materials from windows and sliding glass doors. Leave a light on in each room to make the house visible in heavy smoke

27. Wildfire Readiness When Wildfire Threatens If you have time Seal attic and ground vents Turn off propane tanks Connect garden hoses Place lawn sprinklers on roof & wet it down Place sprinkler near above ground fuel tanks Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet

28. Wildfire Readiness Full information is in “Creating Wildfire Defensible Zones” on the Web at http://aces.nmsu.edu/defensible_zone/protect/docs_pdf/wildfire_defense.pdf and “Wildfire…Are You Prepared?” on the Web at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa-287-508.pdf

29. Wildfire Readiness Recommended Web Site http://www.firewise.org Firewise Communities Program

30. Survival during a Wildfire Vehicle –Roll up windows and close vents –Park away from trees and brush –Headlights on/ignition off –Get on the floor/coverup –Wait for fire to pass –Stay in the vehicle

31. Survival during a Wildfire At Home –Go inside as fire approaches –Fire will pass before the house burns down In the Open –Sparse fuel area –Ditch, road cut or depression –Cover yourself

32. Wildfire Recovery After the Fire First 24 Hours –Contact Assistance Agencies –Contact Insurance Company Ongoing Actions –Valuing Property –Replacing Documents –Salvage and Restoration

33. Wildfire Recovery Web Site http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/atf/ After the Fire – Return to Normal

34. Wildfire Readiness In Conclusion The Wildfire Threat Preparing for the Threat Survival and Recovery