Friday, December 28, 2012

Cimarron Subdivision Awarded FireWise Certification

by George Barreras, Catron County Firewise Contractor

On December 21, 2012, Cimarron Ranch and Homestead subdivisions were accepted as National NFPA Register Certified FireWise Communities.  They join Quemado Lakes Estate, which achieved recognition in 2011.  The Village of Reserve  and Sawtooth Subdivision FireWise applications have also been submitted.

Certification for these communities was accomplished through the joint efforts of community landowners, local Fire Departments, State Forestry and Catron Counties FireWise Program.  When accepted, Catron County's Nationally Recognized FireWise communities will make up 38% of all FireWise communities within the State of New Mexico. Considering that there were no FireWise Communities in the county in January 2011, this is quite an achievement.

Catron County landowners are beginning to understand the importance of providing a FireWise landscape in order to protect their families, homes, pets and personal belongings. Being safe from wildfire involves developing a defensible space 30' and beyond around their homes. This effort will provides the safety zone needed for firefighters to save lives and property as well as reduces the risk from the spread of wildfire from the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

Protection starts by trimming the low lying branches at least 3' up the trunk of a tree and providing 5'-6' spacing between them. This spacing generally opens up the canopy which minimizes fire spreading across the crowns of the trees. Some dead and standing fuels should be removed while leaving some for wildlife habitat. Dead and on the ground fuels are also a risk. Dry pine needles and leaves are a fuel source and must be raked up and removed.

Attic, soffit and subfloor vents should be screened 1/8" mesh (metal). Gutters should be kept clear, chimneys should be screened as well. Deck crawl spaces should be covered to keep embers out. Firewood should be stacked away from the home 20'-30'. The area around the propane tank should be completely clear of all vegetation at least 10'.

"Ready-Set-Go" program information was mailed out to everyone in Catron County this past year and provided information on the essentials to have ready to go should a fire be approaching.  Items that should be included are:  medication, clothing (no synthetics), food, water, photos and important documents - and don't forget your pets.

It appears that the drought will continue this coming year so please be prepared.  It takes a complete community effort to be FireWise. Anyone choosing to live in the WUI (wildland-urban interface) will have to make a lifelong commitment to being FireWise. Let's all work together to make Catron County a safe place to live.

For more information on FireWise principles and assessments can contact George Barreras at
 H: 575-533-6378 C: 575-519-2161

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