Preserving, protecting, and restoring the Rio Grande bosque since 1994
Wildfire Prevention and Safety Information
Know before you go - check the New Mexico Fire Info website for fire information and restrictions at
or call 1-877-864-6985
Learn how hunters and shooters can help prevent wildfires in areas experiencing hot, dry conditions - click here or click on the graphic below!
Ember Threat and the Home Ignition Zone
What are the primary threats to homes during wildfires?
Research around home destruction vs. home survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and /or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.
There are methods for homeowners to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and minimize the likelihood of flames or surface fire touching the home or any attachments. Experiments, models and post-fire studies have shown homes ignite due to the condition of the home and everything around it, up to 200’ from the foundation. This is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
Good News- the good news is, unlike floods, hurricanes or earthquakes, there are simple and often very inexpensive ways to make homes safer from wildfires.
Contact Ken Wolf, Socorro County Firewise Coordinator at 575-835-2029 or kwolf@co.socorro.nm.us for more information.
