Socorro County pursues fire station funding, wildfire prevention projects

Socorro County is working on several projects aimed at improving fire protection and reducing wildfire risk across the region, according to County Emergency Manager Fred Berger.

One of the county’s biggest priorities is seeking funding to build a new fire station  in Alamo. County officials are currently preparing a grant proposal for about $2.5 million to support the project, with the application submitted through the office of U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez.

Berger said the effort began after residents raised concerns about the lack of fire protection services in the remote community.

“We were approached by a resident out there who was very concerned,” Berger said. “They’ve had homes burn down in the past and they just don’t have services.”

County officials have visited the area several times to assess conditions and speak with community leaders. Berger said the community often feels isolated and has limited infrastructure.

“They almost seem like an island by themselves and not getting a lot of support from anybody,” he said.

Socorro County representatives also traveled to Santa Fe during the recent legislative session to meet with state lawmakers who represent the Alamo area, including Linda Lopez and Charlotte Little. Berger said both lawmakers were enthusiastic about the county becoming more involved in helping the community.

While the grant request is significant, Berger said the need is clear.

“It’s a big project, but it’s needed out there,” he said.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to rebuild and strengthen the San Antonio fire district. Berger recently appointed Mario Amado as fire chief, a decision confirmed by the Socorro County Commission.

Amado, who Berger has known for decades, has already helped grow the department’s volunteer roster.

“When I came in, there were maybe two people responding to calls, if we were lucky,” Berger said. “Now Mario has nine volunteers out there.”

County officials are continuing to encourage residents to get involved, but Berger acknowledged turnout at public meetings has been low.

“We had a community meeting in San Antonio yesterday and one person showed up,” he said. “When people don’t need you, they don’t want to be involved. But when there’s a need, that’s when we can get people out.”

In addition to staffing and infrastructure improvements, the county is also investing in wildfire prevention.

Socorro County recently received a $90,000 Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant to create strategic fire breaks along the east side of the Rio Grande valley. Three fire breaks are planned — one near San Antonio and two south of Escondida.

“We are trying to get funding for the county to purchase a masticator, but until we get that funding, we actually decided that we would just rent a masticator this year,” said Berger.

To complete the work, the county rented a masticator, a specialized machine that clears vegetation and reduces wildfire fuel.

The equipment was delivered earlier this week, and crews have already begun work on the first fire break near San Pedro Rd. Berger said the initial section is nearly complete.

Several groups have contributed to the effort, including state forestry crews, the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps and participants in the detention center’s RISE program.

The fire breaks are designed to slow the spread of wildfires and give firefighters safer areas to operate in the Bosque, where invasive salt cedar can burn intensely and spread flames quickly.

“Salt cedar just burns so hot and fast,” Berger said. “If we have any wind, it just goes.”

Once the fire breaks are completed, the county hopes to expand the project by removing more salt cedar and restoring healthier habitat along the river corridor.

Berger said the work is part of a long-term strategy for both wildfire safety and land management.

“This is a multi-decade project,” he said. “It’ll probably last longer than me.”