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New Mexico firefighters heading to California

 New Mexico firefighters heading to California

Fire Departments across region deploy resources to combat multiple fires

SANTA FE – The state of New Mexico is sending a strike force of five Type 3 engines to California to assist with firefighting efforts. The strike force will consist of 25 personnel from five New Mexico fire departments.

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) received a request for resources on Jan. 8, which was sent to multiple states. Fire departments from Bernalillo, San Juan, and Los Alamos Counties, as well as the cities of Albuquerque, and Santa Fe will deploy personnel and engines the morning of Jan. 9.

DHSEM reminds residents that high winds and dry conditions make for a high risk of fire here in New Mexico. Take precautions to prevent house and wildfires:

  • Never leave campfires unattended.
  • Maintain an adequate “defensible space” around the home by clearing dry brush and vegetaion from around your home.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire away from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters, and candles.

More information on preventing wildfires and preparing for emergencies can be found at ready.gov/wildfires.