As New Mexicans head outdoors to enjoy warmer weather, the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) is reminding residents to stay mindful of how small actions can make a big difference in preventing devastating fires.
OSI is reminding New Mexico residents to stay vigilant of outdoor activities that can unintentionally spark wildfire if proper precautions are not taken. As residents are getting outside and having fun this spring and summer, follow these tips and tricks every day to help mitigate the start of wildfire:
- Never leave campfires unattended and always fully extinguish them with water, not just dirt, ensuring ashes are cool to the touch. You should douse your campfire, stir it, check for heat, and repeat.
- Properly dispose of cigarettes andnever throw them from vehicles or on the ground. Improperly discarded cigarettes are a common cause of human-caused wildfires, as embers can easily ignite dry grass, leaves, or roadside vegetation during hot and dry conditions. Always fully extinguish cigarettes in an ashtray or a container with water.
- Avoid fireworks in dry areasand always follow local restrictions and burn bans. Fireworks can easily ignite dry grass and brush, especially during hot, windy conditions, and even small sparks can quickly spread into dangerous fires. Keep water or a hose nearby and fully soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them to prevent lingering embers.
- Use grills safely by placing them on non-flammable surfaces and keeping them away from structures, dry grass, or brush. Especially if grills are placed too close to combustible materials or used during windy conditions, sparks can fly and fire can ignite quickly. Never leave a grill unattended while in use and keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.
- Firearm use can pose a wildfire risk during dry conditions. To reduce risk, shoot only in safe, cleared locations and properly dispose of spent shells and targets. Specifically, prohibited firearm-related items include tracers, incendiary rounds, and binary explosive targets (e.g., Tannerite). Shooters should carry a shovel, extra water, or a fire extinguisher when practicing near dry grass or brush. For target selection, use a safe backdrop, such as a large mound or hill without rocks, to prevent sparks from ricochets.
“We are all excited when warmer weather comes around, but we must keep in mind that we’re getting into peak wildfire season and small decisions can make a big impact when it comes to preventing fires,” said Melissa Robertson, Bureau Chief, Property and Casualty Bureau, OSI. “Whether you’re camping, grilling, or target shooting, it’s critical to be mindful of everyday safety measures, stay alert, and follow local restrictions and fire guidance.”
Throughout the month of May, OSI will continue to release tips and updates on wildfire awareness, including recommendations for tool/mechanical use, identifying hazards and how to report them, go-bag essentials, and more.
Check out our video on wildfire preparedness and more information on this page.
For more information about wildfire prevention and defensible space from New Mexico’s Forestry Division (EMNRD) visit this page.
Residents can also visit this page to review the Wildfire Prepared Home program.