Wildfire Wednesdays #9 - Fire Science Briefing Papers - SWFSC - Dr. Craig Allen Presentation

Hello all,

In the past two months we’ve shared a wealth of tips about preparing for wildfire, but becoming fire adapted is more than just doing, it’s also about understanding the role of wildfire in the forests, shrublands, and grasslands where we build our homes.

So today we’re taking a brief look into the wider world of wildfire. In New Mexico wildfire plays a varied role depending on the landscape, the conditions of the vegetation that burns, and the weather. Sometimes that role is crucial and beneficial and other times it causes serious harm.

We’re highlighting a few of the many resources available in New Mexico to take a dive into this fascinating world. Understanding the importance of the role of fire in our ecosystems and that wildfires won’t be going away is vital to becoming a fire adapted community.  

All the best, Sam

This Blog Contains:

• Briefing Papers on wildfire science topics from the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition

• Southwest Fire Science Consortium: Developing dialogue between fire scientists, managers, and the public

• Dr. Craig Allen presents: “The State and Fate of our Mountain Forests in New Mexico and the West.”

Fire Science Briefing Papers from the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition

With Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition the Forest Stewards Guild has produced a series of Briefing Papers to highlight and summarize important research in fire ecology topics. These papers have focussed on fire history, the impacts of wildfires on birds, and post-fire forest conversion to name a few. Each briefing paper was produced in collaboration with a scientist or professional in the field. Click the link below to check out these recently published papers.

https://www.santafefireshed.org/briefing-papers

The Southwest Fire Science Consortium (SWFSC)

The SWFSC helps bridge the gap between science and fire management decisions. The goal is to see that the best available science is used to make management decisions and that scientists and researchers are exploring questions that managers need to be answered. By advocating for and funding dialog between managers and researchers, the SWFSC fosters two-way collaboration. This process has demonstrated the power to solve the challenges of fire management and has generated a wide range of useful resources, including in-person events, webinars, factsheets, whitepapers, and more.

Click here to explore the practical resources on the SWFSC webpage!

Dr. Craig Allen Video Presentation:

“The State and Fate of our Mountain Forests in New Mexico and the West.”

We’re excited to share this video of Dr. Craig Allen who addressed a full house at the New Mexico Land Conservancy this winter when we could still gather.

Video of Craig Allen, Ph.D., is now available

“The State and Fate of our Mountain Forests in New Mexico and the West.”

Our first NMLC speaker event on January 28 was a success – a full house – thanks to our speaker that night, place-based ecologist, Dr. Craig Allen who generously dedicated an evening. Click the button below for a link to a video of his slide presentation, including an introduction from NMLC’s Executive Director, Scott Wilber, and ending with an interesting Q&A session.

Click Here To See The Video!

Wildfire Wednesday #8 - Wildfire Prevention - Fire Restrictions - Recreation Guidelines - PG&E Penalty

Hi Fireshed Members,

With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner people are eager to get outside after months of staying home, so this week we are dedicating Wildfire Wednesday to Wildfire Prevention.

In New Mexico, nearly half of the wildfires since 2000 have been human caused. People start wildfires in a variety of ways, including vehicle exhaust pipes, cigarette butts, dragging chains, and poorly extinguished campfires. The amount of human caused wildfires is closely correlated with summer holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day when many more people are out. With that in mind, please be safe this Memorial Day weekend, always check for fire restrictions before you recreate outdoors.

This week’s Wildfire Wednesday includes:

1. Fire prevention messages to be posted and shared on social media

2. Some helpful links to check fire restrictions across the state

3. COVID Outdoor Recreation Guidelines from the State of New Mexico

4. A recent court decision holds PG&E  accountable for the Camp fire that burned through the town of Paradise, CA and killed 85.

Stay safe,

Gabe

Please Help us Prevent Wildfire! Use these social media posts!

Please help prevent wildfire by sharing these messages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or over email. If this simple step prevents one wildfire, it could save lives and will help keep our first responders safe during the 2020 fire season. Just add the flyer as a photo and use our suggested caption, or create one of your own.

Recreate Safely

Click Here to Download this Flyer!

Suggested Caption: Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: We all need your help to prevent wildfires this summer. The statewide average of human-caused wildfires in New Mexico is 48% of all wildfires and most of these fires can be prevented. Don’t drag chains, check spark arrestors on vehicles and equipment and for information about preventing wildfires over Memorial Day Weekend, visit https://nmfireinfo.com/   Suggested Hashtags: #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm

Know Before You Go

Click Here to Download this Flyer!

Suggested Caption: Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: Know Before You Go! Before you make plans to have any smores over the campfire check for current fire restrictions.  For more information, call the Fire Restrictions Hotline: 1-877-864-6985 or visit https://firerestrictions.us/nm/ 

Suggested Hashtags: #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm 

Do Your Part, Don’t Let A Wildfire Start

Click Here to Download this Flyer!

Suggested Caption: Click Share and Help Prevent Wildfire: Firefighters and first responders are needed more than ever to keep America safe . Prevent wildfires by following fire restrictions, postponing debris burning, and using campfire alternatives.  

Suggested Hashtags: #recreateresponsibly #preventwildfire #nmfire #fireadaptednm 

Current fire restrictions in New Mexico

Currently there are 74 different fire restrictions in place issued by the State of New Mexico, Counties, Pueblos and Tribes, and Federal agencies including NPS, USFS, BLM, BIA. These fire restrictions are in place to prevent human started wildfires that threaten firefighters and the public.  

It’s safe to assume that if you choose to recreate outdoors this Memorial Day weekend, campfires will be forbidden where you’re going. In addition, things such as fireworks, smoking outside of designated areas, welding, and driving off road through dry vegetation are prohibited in many circumstances as well.

To check on fire restrictions across New Mexico and in a specific locations please visit: https://firerestrictions.us/nm/

On this site you can click on the map at the top of the page to see the fire restrictions that apply to your area or scroll through all restrictions that have been issued state wide or by jurisdiction.

State of New Mexico - COVID Outdoor Recreation Guidelines

Be Safe, Respectful While Enjoying the Outdoors

#RecreateResponsibly, New Mexico

The State of New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division has issued some guidance for recreating while minimizing the potential to escalate  impacts.  all know the solace and comfort that spending some time outdoors can provide and it’s possible to get out here and stay safe too.

You can read the full guidance here but check out the ten rules below. The second rule is  about preventing wildfires!

Ten rules for New Mexicans looking to get outside:

1. The health of others should still be your top priority. Bring a mask whenever you recreate and put in on when approaching other groups. Practice physical distancing.

2. Forget about campfires. There are statewide fire restrictions in place. Check this site for details on fire bans before you go on a trip.

3. Avoid crowded trailheads. Have a back-up plan if your favorite spot is too crowded. Remember, the State Parks that are open are operating under limited, day-use only capacity.

4. Check for closures. Check the land management agencies’ websites before venturing out to recreate. Many of these places are closed right now to protect both recreationists and staff.

5. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack it in, pack it out. Protect your fellow outdoor recreationists. Protect the natural resources.

6. Be prepared. Many developed recreation sites (including bathrooms) remain closed. Be self-sufficient by bringing in your own snacks, waters, and trash bags.

7. You can only camp overnight at dispersed, remote campsites. All public and private developed campsites remain closed.

8. You can book some outdoor guided trips and coaching sessions. You must still adhere to all group-size limits and physical distancing rules. Don’t go out if you are sick. If you are not exhibiting symptoms, wear a mask to protect your guide or coach. Follow all the Covid-safe practices outlined by the Governor’s Office.  

9. Gear rentals can resume. So long as the equipment is properly and thoroughly sanitized between uses.

10. Public gatherings, events, and camping in developed sites are still banned.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) holds PG&E accountable for Wildfires

The electrical grid is one of the key sources of human-caused wildfires. A recent court decision holds public utilities accountable for wildfires started by faulty infrastructure.

In California, PG&E  is being required to pay a $1.93 billion penalty for starting wildfires in 2017 and 2018 that included The Camp Fire that burned through Paradise, CA. Hopefully, this decision sends a  strong message to public utilities that they are accountable for wildfires created by faulty infrastructure. Still, with the windy and dry conditions in New Mexico this time of year, it is essential that we all play our part and report unsafe conditions to our electric utility providers.

To read the full story, click here.

Webinar Recordings:

Did you miss either the Alert Santa Fe webinar or the Home ignition Zone Webinar? Recordings of both are available now:

Alert Santa Fe Webinar Recording: https://www.santafefireshed.org/emergency

Home Ignition Zone https://www.santafefireshed.org/prepareyourhome/#HIZWebinar

Ready Set Go and Go-Kits https://www.santafefireshed.org/emergency

Wildfire Wednesdays #7 - Ready, Set, Go! - Wildfire Ready Rap - Film Festival

Hello!

With the sunny days and high winds this spring we’ve seen more and more Red Flag (high fire danger) days and a few wildfires starting across New Mexico. As we barrel along toward summer, it’s important to continue to do everything you can to prepare for wildfire.

Best, Sam

In this Blog we have:

• The Ready Set Go! Program, an all-inclusive wildfire preparedness program.

• “Wildfire Ready Rap” by Ready Raccoon, not much more to say about this, it’s awesome!

• The Wild and Scenic Film Festival with a short film about prescribed fire in the Southern US

• Upcoming webinars and webinar recordings

Ready, Set, Go!

The Ready, Set, Go! program empowers residents living in the wildland urban interface with the knowledge they need to be better prepared for responding to a wildfire in their community. Each step of the program addresses wildfire preparedness at a different stage. The Ready stage is to proactively reduce the risk of wildfire impacts to your home through mitigation techniques like defensible space, keeping gutters clean, and planting fire resistant landscaping around your home. The Set stage is to be prepared to leave your home quickly in the event of an evacuation order. Actions in the Set stage include putting together a “go bag” with important papers, medications etc. The final stage is to GO! and follow the evacuation order when/if it comes. Have an evacuation plan ready, know where you and your family will meet up if you get separated and don’t wait to leave.

Click the links below to learn more:

Santa Fe County - Ready, Set, Go!

National Ready Set Go Program

To learn more about Santa Fe County’s Ready Set Go program and detailed instruction about creating a Go-Bag join us for tomorrows webinar:

Ready Set Go Santa Fe and Go-Bags Webinar

May 14, 2020 10:00 AM in Mountain Time

Click here to register!

“Wildfire Ready Rap” by Ready Raccoon

Ready Raccoon is Butte Fire Department’s wildfire preparedness mascot and now he’s got a theme song. Ready Raccoon will be out dancing and grooving to the song below at community gatherings and events in California. He’s designed this song to not only inspire people to dance, but remember that it’s always good to be prepared in case of a wildfire! This song is awesome!

“Wildfire Ready Rap” Webpage

Wild and Scenic Film Festival by the Santa Fe Watershed Association

The Santa Fe Watershed Association is hosting its annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival streaming to your home this year! Of particular interest to our members is the film Into the Black -

Into the Black film description:

Human ignited ‘prescribed burns,’ are an essential technique to mimic natural processes that maintain and restore critical habitats. With extensive efforts to restore large areas of native habitats, partnerships are critical to provide the capacity necessary to implement fire on the scale needed.

Visit the website below for more information.

https://www.santafewatershed.org/wild-and-scenic-film-festival/

Webinars

Did you miss either the Alert Santa Fe webinar or the Home ignition Zone Webinar?

Alert Santa Fe Webinar Recording:

https://www.santafefireshed.org/emergency

Home Ignition Zone

https://www.santafefireshed.org/prepareyourhome/#HIZWebinar

Upcoming Webinars:
Ready, Set, Go! Santa Fe and Go-Bags from the Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition

May 14, 2020 10:00 AM in Mountain Time

Click here to register!

In this hour-long webinar Remington Gillum, the wildland Specialist at Santa Fe County will present on the Ready, Set, Go Program, an all-inclusive program to prepare you and your family for wildfire. Ann Church of Villages of Santa Fe will then show you how to construct a Go-Bag, an evacuation bag that contains a supply of items you would need to safely evacuate your home.

Wildfire Wednesday #6 - the Power of Connections - Firewise Planting - Super Computing

Hi Fireshed Members,

Hopefully the beautiful spring weather, blooming flowers, and longer days are giving you the boost you might need to get outside and make progress towards your wildfire preparedness goals or to connect with those in your community. With all the uncertainty we may be feeling right now, working outdoors and connecting with our peers (from a distance) can provide much-needed solace.

This week’s Wildfire Wednesday features:

• A story about the power of our connections during times of struggle and change from the national Fire Adapted Community Learning Network (FAC Net).

• A Firewise planting guide to help make your landscaping and gardening ready for wildfire.

• Supercomputing Challenge winners from the New Mexico School of Art build a computer model to predict fire risk.

 From my kitchen table to yours,

Gabe

Can your connections save your event from unexpected catastrophe?

Annie with her parents at a Chelan County Fire District 3 ceremony.

Connections matter. Connections between people, ideas, challenges, and solutions are critical to foster the learning environment we need to accelerate change. The Fire Adapted New Mexico Learning Network is an example of a network-based learning environment that is designed to share information and strengthen our connections for addressing wildfire (click here to get involved). Connections through FACNMN are happening locally in New Mexico and nationally. The Fire Adapted New Mexico Learning Network (FACNM) was initially inspired by the national Fire Adapted Community Learning Network (FAC Net). Take a few minutes to read this interview of Annie Schmidt from FAC Net by Travis Dodson of the Wildfire Lessons Learned Center and find out how your network might save your next field trip!

Have a few extra minutes and want to get the full story, read Annie’s interview of Travis here!

Firewise Planting Guide

New Mexico Locust in Bloom

Spring is here in New Mexico! As you’re thinking about landscaping this year, consider this guide from New Mexico State University: Fire Wise Plant Materials. It is a complete guide to making your landscaping and, thus your home more resistant to wildfire. There are general tips as well as an exhaustive guide of plants that are fire resistant, what elevations you can plan them in and other details.

Supercomputing Challenge Winners Model Fire Risk in the Santa Fe Fireshed

Supercomputing Challenge 30th annual Expo Presentation, a finalist project is one that, after being read by many judges, is deemed worthy to present in the c...

Students from the New Mexico School for the Arts recently won first place in this  year's Supercomputing Challenge by modeling forest fire risks in the Santa Fe Fireshed. Their report, titled “It’s ‘Bout To Get Lit Up In Here: Modeling Forest Fire Risks in Northern New Mexico” details the creation of a computational model that predicts forest fire movement. They then ran the fire spread model using the data from the forests above Santa Fe. Given the current Covid restrictions their finalist presentation was held online, so you can view it here.

Webinars

Did you miss either the Alert Santa Fe Webinar or the Home ignition Zone Webinar?

Recordings of both are available now:

Alert Santa Fe Webinar Recording: https://www.santafefireshed.org/emergency

Home Ignition Zone https://www.santafefireshed.org/prepareyourhome/#HIZWebinar

The Home Ignition Zone - What to do to prep your home for fire season - From the Fire Adapted Communities New Mexico Network

May 12, 2020 01:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Click here to register!

In this 60 minute webinar Sam Berry of the Forest Stewards Guild will show you how to prepare your home for fire season. Research has shown that there are simple and easy actions you can take in the areas closest to your home to drastically lessen the chances of it catching fire in a wildfire. Tune-in to learn about the Home Ignition Zones and find out what you can do!

Ready Set Go Santa Fe and Go-Bags

May 14, 2020 10:00 AM in Mountain Time

Click here to register!

In this hour-long webinar Remington Gillum, the wildland Specialist at Santa Fe County will present on the Ready, Set, Go Program, an all-inclusive program to prepare you and your family for wildfire. Ann Church of Villages of Santa Fe will then show you how to construct a Go-Bag, an evacuation bag that contains a supply of items you would need to safely evacuate your home.

Wildfire Wednesday #5 - Profile of a Fire Adapted Leader - Building Wildfire Resistance - Wildfire Coloring

Welcome to Wildfire Wednesdays #5. We hope you’ve been enjoying all the wonderful spring weather and taking some time to be outdoors. With that beautiful weather, we’ve experienced a few red flag (high fire danger) days in the last week. I hope you are feeling prepared for this year’s fire season, and if not we have some resources to help!

Best, Sam

This week:

• A profile of a Fire Adapted New Mexico Learning Network (FACNM) leader in the Zuni Mountains area and how his community is working towards fire adaptation.

• Fact sheets about making your home more fire resistant to wildfire from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

• Wildfire Coloring Sheets from the Smokey Generation

• A Santa Fe County open burning permit ban

• Upcoming Home Ignition Zone Webinar

FACNM Leader Profile

Ron Schali is a Fire Adapted Communities New Mexico (FACNM) leader from Timberlake Ranch in northwestern New Mexico. The FAC NM Learning Network is a grassroots, member-driven effort. FAC NM members feel empowered to take action to reduce wildfire risk to their homes and communities. Members recognize that fire has a role to play in the fire-adapted ecosystem.

Ron has been working with FACNM leader Mary Jo Wallen and the Timberlake Fire Mitigation and Forest Health Committee to make incremental progress toward wildfire preparedness. During our interview last week, Ron shared three simple and effective pieces of advice for building support in your community:

• Start with the low-hanging fruit.

• Find projects that already have support and people on board and use those to build momentum toward areas that may be more challenging.  

• Show off your completed projects as educational tools to get others interested.  

To read the whole interview with Ron and learn about the Timberlake Community’s approach, please click here.

NFPA Wildfire Resistant Building Fact Sheets

Check out this video to see how the IIBHS conducts its research by simulating a wildfire and learning how houses ignite.

Once you have removed the leaves and needles from the first five feet around your home, where should you start with changes to the building itself? The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety has created a great series of fact sheets that address specific aspects such as decks, roofing materials, and vents. These guides offer in-depth information and what can be done to make your home more fire-resistant.

You can find the fact sheets on our website on the Prepare page:

https://www.santafefireshed.org/prepareyourhome

For more information please join our webinar on how to make your home less vulnerable to wildfire!

The Home Ignition Zone - What to do to prep your home for fire season

May 12, 2020 01:00 PM Mountain Time

Click here to register!

Wildland Fire Coloring Sheets from the Smokey Generation

To help out with all the kids (and adults) at home these days, every day for a month the Smokey Generation (an awesome wildfire oral history project) created a coloring sheet that focuses on an aspect of wildland fire from around the world. Each sheet has a small fact about wildland fire and a link to more information. As a bonus, many of the sheets are translated into Spanish, French, Catalan, and German!

http://thesmokeygeneration.com/coloring-sheets

Santa Fe County Open Burning Permit Ban: Reducing Human-Caused Ignitions amidst Covid-19

Santa Fe County has issued an open burning ban effective Saturday, May 2nd 2020, and continuing until further order of the Fire Marshal. This order does not include recreational fires, pressurized liquid or gas devices, or portable outdoor fireplaces.

Read the full order here

Read the primary reasons for the ban here

Upcoming Webinars

The Home Ignition Zone - What to do to prep your home for fire season 

Tomorrow!! Apr 30, 2020 02:00 PM Mountain Time 

Click here to register! 

The Home Ignition Zone - What to do to prep your home for fire season

May 12, 2020 01:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Click here to register!

In this 60 minute webinar Sam Berry of the Forest Stewards Guild will show you how to prepare your home for fire season. Research has shown that there are simple and easy actions you can take in the areas closest to your home to drastically lessen the chances of it catching fire in a wildfire. Tune-in to learn about the Home Ignition Zones and find out what you can do!

Ready Set Go Santa Fe and Go-Bags 

 May 14, 2020 10:00 AM in Mountain Time  

Click here to register! 

In this hour-long webinar Remington Gillum, the wildland Specialist at Santa Fe County will present on the Ready, Set, Go Program, an all-inclusive program to prepare you and your family for wildfire. Ann Church of Villages of Santa Fe will then show you how to construct a Go-Bag, an evacuation bag that contains a supply of items you would need to safely evacuate your home.