News and Articles

06/10/2011

FREE County Green Waste Day Clean-Up to Promote Wildfire Protection, June 25

FREE County Green Waste Day Clean-Up to Promote Wildfire Protection, June 25

Santa Fe County residents can take their green waste to the Buckman Road Recycling and Transfer Station (BuRRT), 2600 Buckman Road for FREE between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2011. Green waste includes dried leaves, grasses, weeds, tree limbs and brush. Residents can gather and clean up items around their homes that would otherwise present a fire hazard. Non flammable items such as household trash or appliances will NOT be accepted. This FREE event is sponsored by Santa Fe County and the Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Authority.

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.
• Trim and limb trees 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.

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.