“It’s getting sporty out here,” Fire Marshal Dustin Middleton said about the increased fire danger that is keeping the Cibola County Fire Command, Grants Fire and Rescue, Village of Milan Fire Department, and multiple smaller fire agencies across the county at the ready.
Cibola County is in a dangerous drought. The fire danger in Cibola is very high, verging on the extremely high level. The Cibola County Commission has taken strong steps to implement county-wide burn bans, and is working to tighten these restrictions. Massive wildfires are starting up across the State of New Mexico, and a single spark can be enough to catch a fire in Cibola. To better prepare residents for the threat of evacuations or lost property, Cibola County Fire Marshal Dustin Middleton spoke with the Cibola Citizen with advice.
The fire danger in Cibola County is so high that even a running car could trigger a fire if parked on or near high grass or weeds. A trailer being hauled with chains touching the ground could trigger a fire by creating sparks, and especially cigarettes that are not properly put out can trigger fire danger.
Ready. Set. Go!
“All residents should always be in the ‘Ready’ mode,” Fire Marshal Middleton said. “Ready, Set, Go” is a new program the county recently brought to Cibola. This is an effort to prepare citizens for the event of a massive fire and possibility of evacuations. Ready, Set, Go is a nationally recognized wildfire prevention tool that can save lives.
Evacuations?
“It’s not a matter of ‘if’, it’s a matter of ‘when’” Fire Marshal Middleton said, explaining that the risk of fire danger is real and can have devastating effects. “We have caught a lot of fire before they grew uncontrollable, but if we can’t get to one on time, residents need to be prepared,” Middleton said, explaining that fire crews responded to a fire in Mt. Taylor Addition on April 25 that came close to threatening a structure.
Fires across New Mexico have forced people from their homes, prompting Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to declare a state of emergency for New Mexico.
Ready.
“Everybody should always be at the ready stage, especially if you live in the forest,” Middleton said. At the “Ready” stage, residents should consider signing up for the Code Red Emergency Alert System for Cibola County. To sign up for the notifications, visit https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/DFC8A8D8F57C and fill in all relevant information, or visit www.cibolacountynm.com and scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the box labeled “Code Red”
Fire Marshall Middleton encouraged residents to consider making fire evacuation plans, practicing those routes and preparing a “Go Bag” that should include: At least three gallons of water per person, personal sanitation supplies including baby wipes and cleaning alcohol, a battery-powered radio and extra batteries, cash, medication, and household member documentation.
Fire Marshal Middleton encourages everyone to always be “Ready” for any potential fire incident.
Set.
Cibola County Fire Command establishes fire lines, if a fire approaches the line, residents in the area will be moved to the “Set” level. At this point, residents should begin preparations to evacuate. Middleton suggests printing out or buying maps to use in the event a personal cell runs out of battery. This is the stage where residents should load up all irreplaceable items, important documentation, their Go Bag, and anything else they need to take.
Go!
If the previous two steps have been followed, residents should be ready to evacuate. They will have an evacuation route planned out, and all essential items with them. “Being prepared is the key,” Middleton said.
What if I have Livestock?
Cibola County does not have the tools or resources to move livestock. Individuals must be prepared to move their livestock and pets.
In the event of major evacuations, the Grants Rodeo Grounds can be used as a livestock relocation site, farmers and ranchers should be prepared to move their livestock if the need arises.
Burn Ban in Place
Cibola County has a burn ban in place. At the beginning of Spring, many residents like to burn their weeds or other trash, that however creates the potential for serious fire danger. Burning is not allowed in Cibola County.
“If you see something, say something,” Fire Marshall Middleton said, “We want people to report burning if they see it.”
The burn ban does not necessarily extend to fireworks, but the Cibola County Fire Command encourages residents to call emergency services when they see fireworks going off, this is to prevent fires.
The burn ban does not currently extend to fire pits that people usually make when they go camping. The Cibola County Commission is going to amend the burn ban, extending it to camp fires. This will include fires used for cooking, meaning any cooking done in the wilderness must be done using propane and not an open flame.
More Resources to be Prepared
For more resources, including a checklist of supplies and additional information to be prepared, visit https://www.cibolacountynm.com/departments/emergency_manager_fire_marshal/ready,_set,_go_fire_resources.php or visit CibolaCountynm.com and click on the Wildland Fire Information link.
These resources include additional information for livestock owners.