News and Articles

03/12/2025
Santa Fe County to Host Wildfire Mitigation and Preparedness Community Education Day
“Empowering Our Community for Wildfire Preparedness”
Santa Fe, NM- In collaboration with local and state partners, the County invites the public to its inaugural Wildfire Mitigation and Preparedness Community Education Day on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:00am-12:00pm at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds (3229 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507).
This education day will provide critical information and resources for residents, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), and property owners to enhance their wildfire mitigation and preparedness efforts. County officials, wildfire experts, and emergency response partners will be available to guide attendees through key preparedness steps, including:
Smart 9-1-1 & Emergency Alerts –
- Sign up for real-time notifications.
- Learn how to expedite the processing of 9-1-1 calls by confidentially providing in advance information about you, your family, your pets, and medical conditions.
Firescaping and Home Wildfire Assessments –
- Learn how to reduce wildfire risk through the selection and placement of plants and landscape features that are less flammable and crate a defensible space around homes.
- Schedule an on-site evaluation with Santa Fe County’s Wildland Fire Team.
Evacuation Planning – Get expert guidance on evacuation zones and family emergency plans.
Sustainable Landscaping – Learn about green infiltration galleries and other sustainable landscaping techniques.
Volunteer Opportunities – Learn about opportunities to serve your community, such as volunteering with your local Fire District.
Interactive Activities for Kids & Families – Learn about fire safety through engaging activities.
Featured Partners & Presenters:
Santa Fe County Fire Department – Home wildfire assessments and volunteer opportunities.
Santa Fe County Office of Emergency Management – Evacuation planning.
Santa Fe Regional Emergency Communications Center – Smart 9-1-1 and emergency alerts.
Santa Fe County Sustainability Division – Firescaping and sustainable landscaping.
City of Santa Fe Fire Department – Fire safety and mitigation strategies.
NM State Fire Marshal with Department of Homeland Security- Statewide emergency planning resources.
New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance – Guidance on home insurance coverage in high-risk wildfire areas.
“Mitigation and preparedness are key to reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire events,” said County Manager Gregory S. Shaffer. “This event is designed to empower residents with knowledge and tools needed to protect their homes, families, and neighborhoods from wildfire threats.”
Santa Fe County encourages all County residents to attend this essential event and take proactive steps toward wildfire mitigation and preparedness.
For more information, visit santafecountynm.gov or contact Ignacio Dominquez, Administrative Services Manager, at idominguez@santafecountynm.gov.
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