Ready, Set, Go! Reminder

Published on June 18, 2024

Wildfire season has begun in New Mexico and the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) reminds residents of the increased risk of wildfires. Presently the fire danger in Los Alamos is “High,” and to enhance public safety and mitigate potential fire threats, LAFD urges all residents to review and act on the recommendations outlined in the "Ready, Set, Go! Wildland Fire Action Guide," a comprehensive resource designed to prepare residents for the possibility of a wildfire.

The "Ready, Set, Go!" program embodies a three-step approach to maximizing the safety of individuals and property. 

• Ready—Make properties and homes fire-resistant. Remove weeds and dried grass to create defensible space. Harden buildings by using noncombustible materials for balconies and decks. Remove pine needles and dried leaves from roofs and rain gutters. Assemble a Go Kit, develop a family evacuation plan, and sign up for alerts through the County's CodeRED emergency notification system. Text LOSALAMOS to 99411 or visit lacnm.com/Alerts.  
• Set—Be ready to go. Stay informed about fire conditions and red flag warnings through LAFD and the Los Alamos County Emergency Management office notifications on traditional and social media. Follow NMFireinfo.com and listen to 1610AM radio.   
• Go—Should the LAFD and Emergency Management personnel determine that evacuations are necessary, instructions will be provided via CodeRED, traditional, and social media channels. Take your Go Kit and evacuate to a low-risk area such as a relative's house, an evacuation shelter, or a hotel.  

With easy-to-follow lists and reminders, the "Ready, Set, Go! Wildland Fire Action Guide" is available online at https://lacnm.com/Ready-Set-Go. Printed copies can be obtained at the Mesa Public or White Rock branch libraries, the Customer Care Center at the Municipal Building or the LAFD Administrative office.

LAFD Wildland Division Chief Kelly Sterna emphasized that as a community surrounded by natural landscapes, there is a heightened risk of wildfire. “Everyone is responsible for always being in the ‘Ready’ phase of the Ready, Set, Go! program. We should not wait for the threat of a wildfire to start implementing 'Ready' measures.” Be on the lookout for a column penned by Sterna on Thursday, June 20, where he dives deeper into what it means to be “Ready.”