Are you prepared for fire season?

Published on February 19, 2025

Attend the Wildland Fire Preparedness meeting March 5

Los Alamos Fire Department’s Wildland Fire Division in collaboration with the Los Alamos County Office of Emergency Management will give a Wildland Fire Preparedness presentation, hosted by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Local businesses and residents are encouraged to attend the virtual meeting on March 5 from 9 – 10 a.m. Experts will discuss tools and knowledge community members can utilize to help reduce wildfire risk to protect individuals and property. Please join via Zoom.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of preparing in advance for the coming fire season,” shared LAFD Wildland Fire Chief Kelly Sterna, “Without the much-needed moisture and snowpack we had hoped for this winter, the coming spring and summer will be extremely dry. This increases the risks of wildfire significantly, making awareness and preparedness an important priority for every community member.”

Attendees will gain an understanding of wildfire risks in Los Alamos County, the importance of preparing in advance, and strategies to stay safe when disaster strikes. Key topics include:

·       Wildfire Risk: Learn about the specific wildfire risks in Los Alamos County, including historical fires, risk assessments, and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

·       Ready, Set, Go: This vital program emphasizes the steps to take before, during, and after a wildfire. "Ready" focuses on preparation, "Set" on monitoring alerts and staying informed, and "Go" on evacuation procedures and safety measures.

·       Defensible Space: Discover how creating defensible space around your home can protect it from the dangers of wildfires. This includes clearing vegetation, maintaining proper landscaping, and other measures to reduce fire risk.

·       Defensible Space Assessments: Learn about LAFD’s Wildfire Defensible Space Home Assessment program as a resource for residents in the community to capitalize on to improve mitigation around their properties.

·       Emergency Alerts: Learn how to sign up for CodeRed and how to interpret emergency alerts to receive timely information during a wildfire or other emergency situations.

·       Family Communication Plan: Understand the importance of having a clear, actionable family communication plan for emergencies, ensuring all members are informed and can reunite safely if separated.

“Los Alamos County has experienced severe wildfires in the past and we have an increased risk of fires this year due to the lack of moisture. It is important that every household, business, and individual takes the risks of wildfire seriously,” stated Emergency Manager Beverley Simpson.

By the end of the meeting, participants will have the tools and knowledge to help reduce wildfire risk and effectively protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property. This presentation is encouraged for anyone looking to improve their wildfire preparedness.

For additional information, email LACOEM@lacnm.us or visit the event webpage. The meeting will be recorded and posted on the LEPC webpage for those who are unable to attend.