Protecting Your Home and Neighborhood from Wildfires

A panel during a Legislative Finance Committee meeting outlined ways for people and communities to prepare better for wildfires and increase their chances of home survival. Steve Hawks from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety emphasized the importance of human factors in igniting wildfires and how factors like population growth, climate change, and strong winds contribute to rapid fire growth. Hawks presented the Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood program to help communities reduce fire risks through fuel reduction and parcel-level risk reduction. New Mexico is taking steps to update building codes in fire-prone areas to prevent future devastating fires, with some counties already making changes. Grants are being provided to improve fire prevention efforts in communities, with a focus on clearing flammable material and creating defensible space around structures. Additionally, New Mexico is exploring ways to reduce human-caused wildfires through public education campaigns. By implementing these measures, the state aims to protect homes, maintain access to affordable insurance, and prevent future wildfire disasters.

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Photo credit nmpoliticalreport.com