In addition to launching new fire information and Facebook pages
Santa Fe – The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) in coordination with multiple state agencies have established a Joint Information Task Force (JIC) to provide the public with consolidated fire information. Participating agencies include, Department of Health (DOH), Aging and Long Term Services Department, State Police, Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Department of Transportation, and the Environment Department.
In addition, DHSEM has launched an updated wildfire page on the DHSEM webpage. This is the most reputable, up-to-date site for anything related to the wildfires. The department encourages everyone to go to use this site as their primary and most accurate wildfire source of information.
The department has also launched an official DHSEM Facebook page, where the latest wildfire information along with other DHSEM initiatives will be posted.
The Joint Information Center offers additional guidance for New Mexicans in navigating wildfires.
Safety & Prevention
- Severe drought conditions persist across New Mexico, including increased temperature and reduced precipitation. In conjunction with the extreme winds, this creates a dangerous landscape that can quickly lead to wildfires. New Mexicans are recommended to practice water conservation and fire safety, especially leading into the summer months.
- Do not burn weeds, start campfires, toss cigarettes, use equipment like chainsaws that create sparks, or use fireworks at this time. Be extremely cautious when doing anything that could increase the risk of starting new fires in
our state. One less spark is one less wildfire. If you do not need to start a fire, please do not.
- Firefighters have already been forced to ground several flights because of drones in fire areas. Keep drones out of fire areas to ensure that firefighters can do their jobs and keep everyone safe.
Fire Status & Evacuation
- A live satellite view of the active wildfires in the state can be found on the DHSEM site.
- If you live in or near an area impacted by active fires, stay informed and follow Ready, Set, Go! New Mexico to ensure that you are prepared should an evacuation order be called for your area. If you are asked to evacuate, please do so immediately. Emergency responders might be unable to help you evacuate later if you do not evacuate right away.
Resources & Donations
- New Mexicans affected by the wildfires are encouraged to visit the DHSEM webpage on wildfires for information on how to file insurance claims and what to do following evacuation. For additional information and assistance, folks can call 1-800-432-2080 and select option #4.
- The following areas are listed as evacuation sites:
- Agriculture Center; 202 Chamisa Rd., Taos
- Peñasco High School Gym; 13 School Road, Peñasco
- Taos County Sheriff’s Posse Arena; 230 Camino de la Merced, Taos
- Red River Convention Center; 101 W River St, Red River
- Jemez Mountain Baptist Church; 6 Riverview Ct, Jemez Springs
- Glorieta Adventure Park; 11 State Route 50, Glorieta
- For animals and livestock:
- Zamora Arena is available for evacuated livestock. Take Airport Road, CR C53A, 4 miles north of Las Vegas. Contact: Matthew Romero (575-770- 1490)
- Safe Escort Request to property to feed animals. Contact: State Police (505-425-6771)
- Taos County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Ground. Contact: Ruben Baca (575- 643-6895)
- Taos Rodeo Grounds is available to residents with evacuated horses. Contact livestock inspector Ruben Baca for more information on housing other large animals (505-770-1490)
- Expo New Mexico; 300 San Pedro Dr. NE, Albuquerque. Contact: Marshall Wilson (575-339-5035)
- If you are able to donate funds, please visit the All Together NM fund for more information on how and where to donate.