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FREE County Fire Wise Green Waste Clean-Up to Promote Wildfire Protection, May 12th and 13th

Correction - Correction – Green waste will only be accepted at the locations listed below.

Santa Fe, NM – May 4, 2012 –Santa Fe County and City residents can take their green waste to the Santa Fe County Solid Waste Transfer Stations listed below or the Buckman Road Recycling and Transfer Station (BuRRT) for FREE on Saturday, May 12th or Sunday, May 13th.

Green waste includes dried leaves, grasses, weeds, tree limbs and brush. Residents can gather and clean up green waste around their homes that would otherwise present a fire hazard. Green Waste should be kept loose and NOT put in plastic trash bags. Items such as household trash and appliances will also NOT be accepted for the Fire Wise program.

Locations and Hours:

Buckman Road Recycling and Transfer Station (BuRRT) / 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.Jacona Transfer Station / 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.Eldorado Transfer Station / 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.San Marcos Transfer Station / 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.Stanley Transfer Station / 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Just say “Fire Wise” and green waste disposal is free for all Santa Fe County and City residents on May 12th and 13th!

This free event is sponsored by Santa Fe County and the Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Authority. For more information on this event you can contact Santa Fe County at (505) 992-3068 or BuRRt at (505) 820-0208.

Tips to protect your home and neighborhood:

• Protect your property from wildfire and clean your yard to create a 30 foot defensible space to ensure ground fuels are well groomed so fire does not easily spread.

• Trees trim and bushes if possible so the low ground fire cannot climb and spread by crowning in the tree tops.

• Keep yard waste picked up and dispose of waste properly.

• Ensure that propane tanks and grills are not within 30 feet of your home.

• Move wood piles away from homes and decks.

• Mow weeds and lawns and remove dried leaves, pine needles, weeds and other dead vegetation.

• Use nonflammable landscaping materials such as rock, pavers, annuals and high-moisture-content perennials within five feet of your home

• If you live in a moderate to high hazard wildland area, consider fire-resistant patio furniture, swing sets and accessories.

Santa Fe County fire restrictions are in place and the use of all outdoor ignition sources including smoking, charcoal grills, campfires, weed and crop burning are strictly prohibited. Please be diligent when using power tools outdoors and remember to use a spark arrester. Do not park a hot motor vehicle in areas covered with dry vegetation, weeds and grasses.

If you would like more information or if would like to request a wildfire assessment on your property contact Santa Fe County Fire Prevention, (505) 995-6523 or www.santafecountyfire.org.