reduce wildfire risk to your home

Schedule a FREE home wildfire risk assessment

Funded through our Community Wildfire Defense Grant, the Forest Stewards Guild is offering free home hazard assessments in the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed (see map at right).

Assessments are conducted by Alex Kaste and Maya Hilty, who has completed training and certifications in:

• wildland firefighting (FFT2)

• Assssing Structure Ignition Potential (NFPA)

• Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices (Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc.)

• Home Ignition Zone Awareness (Luna Community College Wildfire Resiliency Training Center), and

• Wildland Fire Assessments (National Volunteer Fire Council).

Assessments generally take 30 minutes to 1 hour. Sign up by selecting “In-person Home Hazard Assessment” in the box below and choosing any date and time available. Email Alex and Maya if you need to request an alternate time. Once your assessment is completed, you will receive an email with a report describing your risk and recommended actions to reduce that risk.

community wildfire defense in the greater santa fe fireshed

As conscientious landowners and residents, it is our shared responsibility to fortify our homes against the looming specter of fire. The frequency and intensity of wildfires are on the rise, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures. By taking steps to prepare our homes and communities, we not only safeguard our properties but also contribute to the collective resilience of our neighborhood.

Get your neighbors involved!

Let’s work together to coordinate a community event in your neighborhood. We can provide expert staff and printed materials (at no cost) to discuss topics related to wildfire safety, home hardening, defensible space, community wildfire defense, and so on. Schedule an appointment with us to discuss the needs of your community, and how we can assist in educating you and your neighbors.

Join the Fireshed Ambassador Program

Our goal is to build a community of knowledgeable and proactive stewards of the land, who prioritize wildfire resilience in managing their properties and collaborating with neighboring lands. Developing the ability to identify and address community needs, and taking proactive steps to enhance them, is a skill that improves with practice and support from like-minded peers.

At the heart of our initiative lies the belief that fostering strong community connections is crucial to tackling wildfire challenges effectively. We want to provide a supportive space where folks can connect, learn, and collaborate to make a meaningful impact on wildfire preparedness and safety in our region.

What else can I do?

Utilize the DIY Home Hazard Assessment Guide

If you cannot schedule an assessment, you can refer to our DIY Home Hazard Assessment Guide.

Our message to you

Wildfire preparedness doesn’t stop at your property line. Everyone in the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed and surrounding areas face similar or related challenges. Some areas have only one road for entry and exit. Other areas have many second homes that remain unoccupied throughout the year. Many more have residents who do not have the means to manage their land effectively. It's our collective responsibility as a community to coordinate and cooperate in reducing wildfire risks and safeguarding everyone's home, land, and lives. These issues cannot be resolved overnight, nor can they be alleviated by individuals alone. As a collective, we can mitigate these issues and create a safer, more resilient environment for all. By working together, sharing resources, and supporting one another, we can build a community that is better prepared for wildfires and capable of protecting the places we call home.