Wildfires can be a frightening fact of life for many Americans, particularly Westerners.
The time to protect yourself and your home is long before fire threatens your door. The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department offers these tips:
- Clear away any shrubs or trees within 20 feet of your home;
- Keep grass mowed to a maximum height of 6 inches;
- Keep your roof clear of debris, including pine needles, and keep firewood and other flammable materials at least 50 feet from your home.
Finally, use fire-resistant construction materials for decks and other parts of your home. And a good nursery can help with fire-resistant landscaping.
