Severe drought continues to raise fire concerns across Cibola County
CANDY KITCHEN, N.M. – A fully engulfed structure fire in Candy Kitchen on Tuesday morning served as a reminder that fire danger is not limited to forests, open fields or roadsides – it can threaten homes and property anywhere, especially during dry conditions.
According to the Candy Kitchen Volunteer Fire Department, crews responded to a structure fire in the Candy Kitchen area earlier in the day. All persons made it out safely.
While the structure was fully involved when firefighters arrived, the department said the property owner’s previous Firewise efforts helped prevent the situation from becoming worse. Trees around the home had been trimmed, and defensible space around structures had been cleared, helping reduce the chance of the fire spreading into nearby vegetation or other property.
Candy Kitchen VFD also thanked El Morro Valley Volunteer Fire Department for responding and providing water and personnel support.
The incident comes as drought continues to affect all of Cibola County. According to Drought.gov data accessed May 12, 27,213 people – 100 percent of the county’s population – are currently affected by drought. There has been no change from last week or last month.
The Candy Kitchen area is currently classified under Severe Drought.
April ranked as the 45th driest April in Cibola County over the past 132 years, running 0.43 inches below normal. The yearto- date period from January through April ranks as the 26th driest on record, with precipitation 1.42 inches below normal.
State officials are also urging residents to pay attention to everyday activities that can unintentionally spark fires.
As part of Wildfire Awareness Month, the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance is reminding residents that roadside fires can start from preventable vehicle issues, including dragging trailer chains, underinflated tires, worn brakes and overheated wheel bearings. OSI recommends that trailer owners cross safety chains in an “X” pattern under the trailer tongue, shorten chains so they do not drag, make sure hooks are properly secured and consider using chain guards to prevent sparks. Motorists are also encouraged to check tire pressure, maintain brakes and grease trailer wheel bearings.
Off-highway vehicles, including ATVs, dirt bikes and ROVs, must also be equipped with a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor when operated on public lands in New Mexico. OSI advises owners to regularly clean and inspect those arrestors and to verify that aftermarket parts meet requirements.
“It can seem like a mundane task, but a single moment of maintenance – like checking your tire pressure or crossing your chains – is the kind of daily action that is needed to help prevent sparks and potential fire,” said Melissa Robertson, Bureau Chief of OSI’s Property and Casualty Bureau. “And if you notice sparks or a fire starting from your vehicle, pull over immediately to an area clear of vegetation and call the fire department. In our arid climate, a single spark is all it takes to change a landscape forever.”
Residents can find Firewise information through the New Mexico Forestry Division at emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fireprevention- programs/protecting your-home-fromwildfire/ or through the national Firewise program at firewise.org.