san pedro, nm wildfire protection report

community wildfire hazard information2010

wildland

the location

the assessments

the findings

fire characteristics

recommendations

evacuations

2 san pedro community protection plan

santa fe county fire—wildland division

importantnumbersSanta Fe County Fire—Wildland Division

http://www.sfcfire-wildland.com/

Red Cross of Albuquerque—Santa Fe

http://www.redcrossalbq.org/Disaster.php or 505.265.8514

NM Emergency Management

http://www.whatstheplan.org/

Santa Fe County Emergency Management Division

http://www.santafecounty.org/fire/emergency_management_division

If you spot a fire, call the National Forestry Dispatch at:

505.438.5600

For non-emergency fire situation info:

Santa Fe Dispatch 505.438.3730 or 800.742.1144

National Forestry 505.438.5300

Fire Information Hotline 877.971-FIRE

In an emergency you can tune into the Emergency Communication Network at:

770 AM

Edgewood Fire District

#25 E Frontage Rd, Edgewood, NM 87015

505.281.4697

san pedro community protection plan 3


locationSan Pedro is a community located along CR 344 on the east side of Hwy 14 and north of Edgewood. The Santa Fe County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) hazard rating for this area is very high, due to the heavy fuel load of pinon and juniper, extensive dead fuels, poor access, lack of water resources and density of homes. The community is located in the Edgewood Fire District and is bordered on west and north by large tracts of ranch lands and other undeveloped private property.

The area is known for the amount of lightning strikes it receives in the summer months, and with the amount and density of dry vegetation, the number of natural fire starts is increasing.



assessmentsHouse by house wildland fire hazard assessments were conducted by the Wildland Division crew members in the fall of 2009. Using and assessment form, members viewed each home from the driveway and assessed what they saw from that vantage point.

Based on that view, each home was assigned a numerical rating which corresponds with the hazard rating categories of Low, Moderate, High, Very High or Extreme. These rating are based on home construction, driveway and road access, fuel loading around the home, the home’s placement within the terrain and factors including the locations of propane tanks, elec-trical lines and outbuildings. These ratings give us the basis for a plan of attack in the event of a wildfire.



This area is particularly thick with pinon and juniper with pockets of ponderosa pine and spruce in higher elevations. Beetle kill is abundant, with most of it down, along with a very thick understory. Few properties in the area have been thinned, allowing a continu-ous canopy to form, increasing the likelihood of a crown fire.

Winds in this area are erratic, and the majority of the homes are on north facing, heavily fueled slopes. The roads into these areas are narrow and rough, making evacuation and fire department access difficult.

Flying embers would be a large concern, as a large running fire can produce spot fires up to mile away. The danger of embers is their ability to lodge into small spaces and slowy grow, such as lodging in a soffit or in a small crack of a wood window sill. They are also hot enough to ignite clusters of pine needles or wood piles that may be adjacent to a home.

This area sees a lot of thunderstorm activity with lightning, and with the right conditions present, the threat of a major fire is real.

the findings



characteristicsfireFire intensity, rate and spread will depend on fuel type and condition (live or dead), weather conditions and topography (terrain). Generally, the following rela-tionships hold between fire behavior and fuel, weather and topography.

Fine fuels ignite more easily and spread faster with more intensity than courser fuels. The more fuel there is and the more continuous it is, the faster the fire spreads and the higher the intensity

.

Weather conditions affect the moisture content of dead and live vegetative fuels. Dead fine moisture content is dependent on relative humidity and sun exposure. Lower humidity and direct sun produce faster spread rates and higher intensities

Wind speed influences the rate of fire spread. The higher the wind speed, the great the spread rate and intensity.

Topography influences fire behavior principally by the steepness of the slope. However, the configuration of the terrain such as narrow draws, saddles, chim-neys, etc. can influence fire behavior as well. Fire will run uphill, the steeper the slope, the faster it runs.

The main vegetation within this community is pinon and juniper in lower eleva-tions with some ponderosa as elevation increases. There are some flat grassy open spaces scattered throughout the area. The pinon/juniper is dense and can support a high intensity crown type fire. These can produce significant spot igni-tions ahead of the flame front with the right conditions due to blowing firebrands.



When thinning, select dead or diseased trees closest to the structure first (within 50 feet). The ground below and imme-diately surrounding remaining trees should be cleared of excessive dead material and tree litter.

Deciduous trees (ones that lose their leaves in the winter) can survive and are recom-mended to stay. Planted around structures, they are a less ignitable choice than the cur-rently existing pinon/juniper vegetation. Fruit trees also do well, along with hawthorne and New Mexico olive. Aspens (with some supple-mental water) can also be a great choice.

Short grasses and indigenous wildflowers should be encouraged to grow (and often will in thinned areas naturally). Not only are they firewise, they also bring in more butterflies and birds creating more biodiversity in the area.

Items stored near homes are considered “attached” to the structure in a wildfire. A wood pile, a wood shed close to the house, a coyote fence, etc. are all examples of this. Moving wood piles at least 30 feet away and uphill from the home can also help maintain a defensible area.

Keep propane tanks clear of any vegetation, wood fences, etc. They should also be at least 30 feet from the home.

homeownerrecommendations



homeownertipsScreen off the area beneath decks and porches

This area can become a trap for burning embers or debris, increasing the chance of starting your home on fire. Screen off the area using metal or non-combustible screening with no larger than 1/4” openings.

Windows

Double-pane windows are most resistant to heat and flames, and smaller windows tend to hold up better than larger windows. Remember to take down curtains and move furniture towards the center of the room. The heat from fire can often ignite items inside your home.

Firewood and flammables

Move your wood pile at least 30 feet away and uphill from your home during fire sea-son. Flammables such as paint, solvents or gasoline should always be stored in ap-proved safety containers away from ANY source of ignition such as hot water tanks or furnaces. The fumes from these liquids can travel a great distance after they turn to gas. Preferably store these materials and any oil, gas or paint soaked rags in an area away from your home.

Thin vegetation near home

Take care to keep about 3 feet of clear space all around your home. Look for pock-ets of thick vegetation and thin it out, especially below your home if you are on a slope. Clear any areas of built up dry leaves or needles. Keep vegetation away from propane tanks as well, and try to screen propane tanks with a non-combustible material.



communityrecommendations

The community as a whole can work together to plan for a wildland incident

Create phone lists for emergency use to notify each other of an emergency in the area, aid elderly or disabled neighbors, kids home alone, animals, etc.

Work together to identify areas that could be thinned on roads where access is poor, that could be widened for vehicle turnouts, making an evacuation and/or fire apparatus access easier. Identify any water sources that could be converted for use by the fire department.

Work with neighbors in your immediate area to plan thinning projects together, combining efforts on all properties to maximize the benefit to all. Organize a “chipper day” with your neighbors, sharing the cost and work of a chipper.

Be aware of your surroundings especially after thunderstorms. Look for smoke the morning following a thunderstorm. When you are outside, do a quick look around every now and then. The faster the fire is reported, the better the chance of it be-ing contained.

When reporting a possible fire, be as clear and concise as possible. Try to give as accurate a location and description as you can. . If the smoke is off in the dis-tance, try to find landmarks to describe its location. Stay calm, and stay on the line.



homeownerkits

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT— a 72-hour kit that is readily available

3 days of emergency water (1 gallon per day per person)

3 days of emergency food (non-spoilable and easy to open)

One change of clothing per person

Blankets and/or sleeping bags

Battery powered radio with spare batteries (AM capable to receive 770 AM emer-gency alert station)

Flashlight with spare batteries

Toiletry supplies

PET EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

3 days of food in a waterproof container

3 days of water specifically for your pets

Any medications in a waterproof container

Small first aid kit specific to your pet

Backup collar and leash

Any important documents relating to your pet

Crate or pet carrier

Pet sanitation supplies (ie: litter and litter box, newspaper, bleach, etc.)

A picture of you and your pet together (to aid in finding your pet if you get sepa-rated)



evacuationsStep One—PREPARE

Have emergency contacts and family gathering locations set up

Have a plan for evacuating pets

Update your child’s School Release Policy with current information

Discuss with your children what to do if they are home alone

Make lists of important items you use or need:

Prescription medication

Glasses/contacts

Important documents

Emergency supply kit

Step Two—EVACUATION IMMINENT

Park your car facing out and leave the keys in it

Load emergency kits

If there is time:

Close windows, remove curtains

Close doors but don’t lock them, and leave exterior lights on

Get lawn furniture out of the way

Step Three—LEAVE AND MEET UP

Go early—if you feel threatened, don’t wait to be told

Drive with lights ON, watch for fire apparatus

Do not block access roads

Do NOT call 911—listen to 770 AM for contact phone numbers

Do NOT attempt to re-enter until officials have declared it safe



Please contact us at:

Santa Fe County Fire Department

Wildland Division

505.995.6523

Or visit our website at:

http://www.sfcfire-wildland.com/

wildland division

Documents

san pedro, nm wildfire protection report