Howdy, Fireshed Folks:
The crackling of dry leaves underfoot echoes through the forest, accompanied by the distant rumble of thunder. The smell of smoke wafts on the breeze, a stark reminder of the potential danger lurking just beyond the trees…
In the face of wildfires, staying informed could mean the difference between escape and chaos. In this week’s Wildfire Wednesday, our newest blog contributor, Alyssa, will showcase how to stay up to date with the ever-changing wildfire landscape. From technology-driven solutions to the power of community engagement, we delve into the strategies and resources available to ensure that, in the face of uncertainty, we remain connected, informed, and prepared.
Today’s Wildfire Wednesday features:
Emergency Alerts
NMFireInfo
InciWeb
Fire Restrictions map
Emergency Alerts
The Alert Santa Fe notification system is a comprehensive communication system implemented in the city of Santa Fe, designed to quickly and effectively deliver important information to residents and visitors. It aims to enhance public safety and provide critical updates during emergencies, severe weather conditions, and other significant events. The system utilizes various communication channels to reach a wide audience, including mobile devices, landlines, email, social media platforms, and outdoor warning sirens.
The Alert Santa Fe system allows users to register their contact information, preferences, and geographic locations to receive tailored notifications based on their specific needs and interests. This customization ensures that individuals only receive relevant alerts pertaining to their area of interest or potential hazards. The system can issue alerts related to emergencies such as wildfires, floods, hazardous material incidents, and public health emergencies. It can also provide information about traffic disruptions, utility outages, and community events.
Through the mobile application or web portal, users can receive real-time alerts, view interactive maps with incident locations, and access additional resources and instructions during emergencies. The system leverages the latest technology to deliver notifications rapidly, ensuring that residents stay informed and can take appropriate actions to protect themselves and their loved ones.
NMFireInfo
The NMFireInfo website is a dedicated online platform that provides information about wildfires and other fire-related incidents in the state of New Mexico. It serves as a central hub for sharing up-to-date information, news updates, and resources related to fire incidents and fire management efforts.
Managed by various agencies and organizations involved in fire management, including federal, state, and local entities, the NMFireInfo website offers a comprehensive overview of fire incidents occurring within New Mexico. The website provides detailed information on the location of fires, fire size, containment status, and any evacuation notices or road closures in effect.
In addition to incident-specific updates, the website offers resources and educational materials to help residents and visitors understand fire prevention, preparedness, and safety. It provides guidelines on creating defensible space, fire restrictions, and other measures to mitigate the risk of wildfires.
The NMFireInfo website serves as an essential communication tool, allowing incident management teams to share information with the public, media outlets, and other stakeholders. By providing timely and accurate information, the website helps promote public safety and awareness during fire incidents.
InciWeb
InciWeb is an online incident information system that provides comprehensive and up-to-date information about wildfires, prescribed burns, and other incidents in the United States. It serves as a centralized platform for sharing incident-related data, including fire status, containment efforts, evacuation notices, and resource management.
Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, InciWeb offers a user-friendly interface where incident management teams, government agencies, and the public can access detailed information about ongoing incidents. The platform features incident-specific pages that contain maps, news updates, photos, videos, and other resources related to the incident.
InciWeb plays a vital role in facilitating communication and coordination among various agencies involved in incident response, including federal, state, tribal, and local organizations. It serves as a valuable tool for incident commanders to share situational awareness with stakeholders, media outlets, and the public, ensuring transparency and promoting safety.
By providing real-time information on fire behavior, containment strategies, road closures, and evacuations, InciWeb helps residents and visitors make informed decisions regarding their safety and well-being. It also serves as a repository of historical incident data, allowing researchers, analysts, and emergency management professionals to study and learn from past incidents.
Fire Restrictions map
The Southwest Area Fire Restrictions website is an online platform that provides information on fire restrictions and related regulations in the Southwest region of the United States. The website serves as a central resource for accessing up-to-date information about fire restrictions, closures, and other regulations implemented by federal, state, tribal, and local agencies.
Managed by fire management authorities in the Southwest Area, which includes states like Arizona, New Mexico, and portions of Texas and Oklahoma, the Fire Restrictions offers a user-friendly interface that allows visitors to access the latest information regarding fire restrictions in specific locations.
The website provides a comprehensive overview of current fire restrictions, including details about prohibited activities, such as campfires, outdoor burning, and the use of fireworks. It also highlights any specific regulations or closures in effect for national parks, forests, and other public lands.
Through interactive maps and search functionalities, users can navigate the website to find information relevant to their desired location. The dashboard includes additional resources, such as fire prevention tips, educational materials, and links to local fire management agencies for further guidance.
The Southwest Area Fire Restrictions website plays a crucial role in promoting fire safety and prevention by providing accurate and updated information to the public, recreational users, and land managers. It helps ensure compliance with fire restrictions, reduces the risk of human-caused wildfires, and supports the effective management of fire-prone areas in the Southwest.
Staying up to date on wildfire information empowers individuals and communities to take proactive measures, collaborate with authorities, and contribute to mitigating the devastating impacts of wildfires.
Upcoming Events and Learning Opportunities
Workshops
July 17 and 21, 2023: Community Wildfire Defense Grant Workshops
NM EMNRD - Forestry Division will hold two workshops to help potential CWDG grant applicants review the lessons learned from the first cycle of this program and learn about changes to current processes. This workshop is intended to help strengthen applications in real time, whether applications submitted in the first round did not get funded or individuals are still thinking about submitting an application. Participants should bring their latest revision of their application for review or their project ideas which have not yet been fleshed out into an application so Forestry Division can provide direction and helpful tips for success.
If you are unable to attend either of the in-person meetings and would like to have your application reviewed, you can reach out to Abigail Plecki, Community Wildfire Defense Grant Coordinator, and set up a time to meet virtually (505-231-3086 | abigail.plecki@emnrd.nm.gov).
To join online on the 17th, click here.
To join online on the 21st, click here.
Webinars
July 25, 2023, 12:00-1:00pm: Increasing Post-Wildfire Planted Seedling Survival
Join the Southwest Fire Science Consortium as Chris Marsh with UNM’s Earth Systems Ecology Lab discusses how consideration of climate trends, microclimatic conditions, topography, and local vegetation influence planted seedling survival and can be used to guide reforestation planning in the Southwest.
Resources in the News
Following the East Coast’s inundation of wildfire smoke from blazes burning in Canada, National Public Radio (NPR) published an article on lessons from the West for dealing with wildfire smoke. While this may be old news to many, the refresher is always worthwhile.
Read it here.