Be Ready
by John Weckerle
The Trigo fire that devastated over 13,000 acres in the Manzanos and destroyed dozens of homes is a grim reminder that fire wildfire is an ever-present threat in our part of the world. A dry Winter followed by a dry Spring makes it that much important that residents in the area be prepared for whatever may come their way.
As the old saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best defense against fire is not to have it start in the first place. It is especially important during such dry and often-windy conditions that people observe fire restrictions. Other proactive measures, such as creating defensible space and thinning near structures, may also provide some protection in the event of wildfire; however, it is important to be careful when implementing these practices, as a spark from a chainsaw can cause wildfire. Keeping a fire extinguisher handy may well prove worth the trouble.
The East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association (EMIFPA) has put together a CD containing valuable information on protecting life and property from devastation by fire. The CD is available at the Sandia Ranger Station in Tijeras, and a limited number of copies have been sighted at the Cedar Point Grille on NM 14. If anyone knows of other locations, please let us know and we will post them here.
The EMIFPA Contact Us page provides contact information for many fire-protection authorities and organizations. Other valuable information may be obtained through the area Soil and Water Conservation Districts.