Fire concerns mount as weather warms

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Warming and windy conditions are increasing the danger of wildfires prompting several state and local agencies to issue a warning bulletin for residents of metro Albuquerque and the East Mountains.

Below is the Multi-Agency Weekly Wildfire Danger Bulletin issued by the Albuquerque and Bernalillo County fire departments, New Mexico State Forestry, New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the U.S. Forest Service:

The National Weather Service is calling for critical fire danger beginning on Wednesday, March 16th through the weekend along the Bosque and the East Mountains. While you are enjoying these areas, help our firefighters by looking out for suspicious behavior.

Fire restrictions in place along and in the Bosque are:

1. No Smoking
2. No Fireworks
3. No Open Flames (campfires, BBQ, welding)

Recommendations for the East Mountains and Forest Service Lands during Red Flag warnings are:

1. No Open Flames (campfires, BBQ, welding)
2. No Fireworks
3. No Smoking except in vehicles (extinguish cigarettes in approved containers)
4. Keep extinguishers or water handy when operating welding equipment outdoors

Sandia and Mountainar Ranger District Recommendations are:

1. Campfires dead out 1 hour before leaving the area
2. Keep campfires small
3. Do not park on tall grass
4. Call for additional fire restrictions before you visit

Home -Fire Safety Outside:

• Construct roofs and exterior structures of dwellings with non-combustible or fire resistant materials such as fire resistant roofing materials, tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick, or stone.
• Consider treating wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling, and other highly combustible materials with fire retardant chemicals. This will require re-application, based on product instructions.
• Clear a 100 foot perimeter of defensible space and thin the vegetation around homes.
• Use non-flammable landscaping materials within 5 ft of the house.
• Clean dead leaves and needles from your roof and gutters.
• Cover chimneys and stovepipes with non-flammable mesh.
• Stack woodpiles 100 feet from all structures.

Home- Fire Safety Inside:

• Install smoke alarms. Even in bedrooms if you sleep with the door closed.
• Keep a charged, ABC-type fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage; make sure family members know how to properly use it.
• Have your GO bag ready for you, your family and animals.
• Have an evacuation plan, identify meeting areas and practice it.

For more information online go to Albuquerque Fire Department , New Mexico State Forestry , Firewsie Communities , New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management , SmokeyBear.com .