CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. — As New Mexico enters its peak wildfire season, residents, including the state’s large farming and ranching community, are urged to adopt proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks. May, recognized nationally as Wildfire Awareness Month, emphasizes the collective effort needed to enhance wildfire preparedness and safety.
With over 20,900 farms operating across more than 39 million acres, New Mexico's agricultural sector faces significant risks during the fire season, which typically spans from early May through June. However, due to dry and windy conditions this spring, the state is experiencing higher than normal fire potential, leading to increased vigilance.
New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte explained the urgency of the situation. 'We need to remain vigilant and do our part to mitigate fire-related disasters,' Witte said. 'Creating 'defensible space' and following fire safety protocols are essential for protecting land, livestock, and homes.'
In response to the heightened risk, New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences has made several resources available, including webinars and an evacuation checklist, to help educate residents on effective fire prevention strategies. Topics range from immediate evacuation procedures to safeguarding homes and agricultural lands.
Doug Cram, New Mexico State University Extension Forest and Fire Specialist, stresses the importance of preparedness. 'Wildfire evacuations are stressful, and it's crucial to take proactive steps to improve outcomes and reduce anxiety,' Cram explained. 'It’s not just forested environments at risk—rangelands, woodlands, bosques, and even urban areas can be impacted.'
State Forester Laura McCarthy also expressed the importance of defensive measures. 'So many residents of New Mexico live within fire-prone areas. Increasing your defensible space is not just a 'should do'—it's a 'mustdo,'' McCarthy advised. She emphasized that embers, which can travel more than a mile from a wildfire, pose a primary threat to homes, making defensible space critical.