Reigniting fire safety

Fire season is already upon us, especially in the dry, wind-prone months of New Mexico spring, and local fire officials are working to bring crucial fire prevention education back to the forefront of local communities. Leading that charge is Heather Donaldson, the newly appointed Interim Assistant Chief at Northern Fire Station, who also now serves as the Firewise Coordinator for Socorro County.

“People just aren’t as educated as they need to be about fire behavior,” Donaldson said. “We’ve had too many incidents where someone burns a field or yard debris and walks away. Then the wind kicks up, and before you know it, a wildfire is threatening homes. So my job is to go out there and try to educate the public about how to burn on their property safely. And if they have any questions, I can schedule a time to go out and address fire safety on their property. ”

The Firewise program—designed to reduce wildfire risks through public education and hands-on community involvement—has been around for years but saw a steep decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous coordinator built strong momentum with the program before in-person outreach and events were forced to pause. Now, with fresh leadership and renewed urgency, the program is poised to make a full comeback.

“We’re not just here for emergencies,” Donaldson said. “The fire department wants to be a part of the community year-round—to answer questions, provide education, and help residents make their properties safer.”

One of the upcoming events is a Firewise booth at the Kiva RV Park on April 27, where local families can stop by to receive giveaways, safety flyers, and talk to fire officials. The event, organized by Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel with participation from local groups including the Girl Scouts and food truck “The Game Changer” is an example of how the Firewise program is working to integrate into broader community gatherings.

Plans are also in the works for a summer event tentatively titled “Chipper Day.”

Residents will be able to bring dead trees and brush to be chipped into mulch for free, helping reduce wildfire fuel in residential areas. Donaldson is seeking community members to volunteer their time to Firewise events.

“The signs are still out there—‘Socorro County is Firewise’—but the participation behind those signs has diminished,” she said. “We’re working to revitalize that, and to get communities re-engaged.”

The plan includes encouraging neighborhoods to meet monthly, support each other in property maintenance, and even organize group volunteer days to help elderly or disabled residents clear brush and reduce fire hazards.

“Firewise is about education, preparation, and participation,” Donaldson said. “We need everyone involved to make our homes and neighborhoods safer.”

To invite Firewise to a community event or schedule a time for fire officials to assess your property, call Heather Donaldson at 575-835-2029.