Tips on Preventing Wildfires

This summer please make safety a priority. Specifically, I’d like to caution you against using fireworks of any kind this year.

With wildfires burning throughout our state, it is more important than ever for each of us to do our part in protecting our treasured natural resources and communities from more unintended fires. I commend the hundreds of brave men and women who are on the ground fighting the New Mexico wildfires. Please join me in spreading the word on how to stay safe throughout the fire season.

Here are a few wildfire safety tips:

• Do not use fireworks of any kind.
• Use caution and common sense before lighting any fire.
• Understand that any fire you create could become a wildfire.
• Never, ever leave any fire unattended.
• Properly extinguish and discard smoking materials.
• Be aware of your surroundings and careful when operating equipment during periods of dry or hot weather.
• Speak up and step in when you see someone in danger of starting a wildfire.

Common ways you could unintentionally start a wildfire:

• Unattended debris burning
• Equipment fires such as from lawnmowers, ATVs, power equipment
• Smoking
• Unattended campfires
• Children playing with matches or lighters
• Fireworks

Additional resources from FEMA:

• Prepare for a wildfire
• What to do before a wildfire
• What to do during a wildfire
• What to do after a wildfire
• How to protect yourself from a fire in your home

I wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and fun summer. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. My staff and I are here to serve you, and I urge you to contact me anytime.

-MARTIN HEINRICH