By Andrea Vasquez
The East Mountain Wildfire Preparedness Association (EMWPA) will host a wildfire preparedness strategy session on Feb. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Los Vecinos Community Center in Tijeras.
This will be EMWPA’s second session of this year. Its intention is to provide a precautionary guideline in case of a wildfire by creating and maintaining defensible space and “learning how to harden your home against flying embers.”
The East Mountain region in New Mexico is susceptible to wildfires due to the large population living in forested areas. The proximity to flammable vegetation (pinon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine forests and grasslands) and weather and climate conditions are also important factors.
Through the Home Hazard Assessment Guide and Worksheet, EMWPA intended to help residents determine the type of plan they need for their property.
This high-risk locality problem motivated the EMIFPA to assist East Mountain residents in protecting their homes and lives.
EMWPA consists of area residents, groups, organizations and agencies that collectively organize sessions where wildfire prevention information is shared.
Participants are encouraged to share their concerns and ideas for this and future meetings.
“We will always hold sessions that we, as wildland firefighting experts feel, will prepare you for the coming season, but there are always topics that you can bring to our attention,” EMWPA shared through a Facebook post.
The strategy session will take place in the upstairs meeting room. It will go over a personal plan and include several different agencies and contacts to assist in wildfire preparedness.
This event will also be available via Zoom.