San Juan County Fire and Rescue Chief David Vega addresses the San Juan County Commission on Oct. 1, 2024. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
San Juan County Fire and Rescue Chief David Vega addresses the San Juan County Commission on Oct. 1, 2024. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record

Spring has not yet settled into the Four Corners, but conditions already resemble midsummer tinder. Record-low snowpack, weeks of unseasonable heat and a stubborn drought have pushed fire danger to levels typically seen much later in the year, and local officials say the season is running nearly a month ahead of schedule.

Officials are urging residents to take precautions now, clearing defensible space and preparing evacuation plans.

“Conditions across the Four Corners have been exceptionally dry and warm this winter, with record low snowpack reported in some areas and long-term drought firmly in place. That combination raises concerns about early fuel drying before the landscape has a chance to green up,” according to AccuWeather.com.

“Above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation are expected to persist across this region through much of spring. When strong wind events develop, especially before widespread vegetation growth, fire danger can escalate quickly.”

New Mexico health officials are warning residents to watch for heat illness this week. Temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees across much of New Mexico starting Thursday – dangerously early in the season, before most residents have acclimated to the heat or set up home cooling systems, according to a March 17 New Mexico Department of Health news release.

Chief Robert Sterrett gets in one of the Farmington Fire Department's trucks. Sterrett recently became the new fire chief. (Morgan Mitchell/Durango Herald)
Chief Robert Sterrett gets in one of the Farmington Fire Department's trucks. Sterrett recently became the new fire chief. (Morgan Mitchell/Durango Herald)Morgan Mitchell

Local fire officials speak

Tom Miller, Farmington Fire Department deputy chief of administration, said in an email that “Farmington is anticipating a busy fire season that is starting earlier than usual.”

He described the fire danger as “very high.”

No controlled burns are allowed within city limits until the danger subsides. The situation is projected to persist until significant long-term precipitation occurs, Miller said.

Residents should remove flammable vegetation around their homes and outbuildings. For more information, Miller advised visiting FireWise online.

To be prepared, residents should develop an evacuation plan, including one for pets and livestock. The plan should include gathering important paperwork, medications, pet food and other essentials. Evacuees should follow instructions and evacuate as soon as possible, Miller said.

He said the Watch Duty app also is helpful.

David Vega, San Juan County Fire and Rescue chief, said in an email, “So far, this spring is running about a month ahead of what is typical. The current heat wave has increased the Energy Release Component, which indicates that the fuels are about 25% drier than we expect this time of year and continue to dry out.”

Furthermore, fuels are receptive to fire, and typical spring winds will increase the spread potential of any starts, he said. The forecast calls for warmer and drier than normal conditions, worsening the severe and extreme drought in the county, he added.

Vega said most wildfires are human-caused, and he emphasized that personal responsibility is the key preventive factor.

Many fires start with human activity, he said, such as controlled burns getting out of hand, improper cigarette disposal, welding or grinding work, vehicles parked on dry grass, fireworks or sparks from damaged power lines.

“What is most important is to immediately call 911 when you see a fire start,” Vega said. “The sooner firefighters can get there means reducing the impact of the fire.”

San Juan County Fire and Rescue will cease issuing burn permits during periods of adverse weather conditions, and residents should plan accordingly.

Safety tips

According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, the following protocols should be followed to prevent wildfires.∙ Be aware of weather and drought conditions: Hot, dry, windy weather is the most dangerous time for wildfires to start.∙ Know how to manage a campfire safely: Clear at least 10 feet around the area where you plan to start the fire. Ensure the fire is contained with rocks or a metal campfire ring, often installed at popular campsites, to keep it from spreading.∙ Never leave a campfire unattended: Fully extinguish it before going to bed by dousing it with water, stirring the charcoal and embers and dousing it again.∙ Carry tools to put out fires: Keep water on hand to extinguish small fires before they grow. A shovel, bucket and fire extinguisher are also useful.∙ Use caution around dry vegetation: Keep a 10-foot area clear when operating machinery that produces sparks. Remove dry grass, leaf litter and other flammable materials. Clear an even larger area on dry, windy days.∙ Take care when driving off-road in dry areas: Exhaust temperatures can exceed 1,000 degrees. Avoid parking or driving on dry grass.∙ Maintain your vehicle: Ensure it is off-road ready before entering wildland areas. Check for gasoline or oil leaks, and prevent spills on grass or other vegetation.∙ Be aware of cigarette and vape fire risks: Never throw cigarettes on the ground; dispose of them in a container that will not burn or melt.∙ Keep an eye on fireworks: Supervise all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers. Keep a bucket of water, a working garden hose or a fire extinguisher nearby, and fully extinguish used fireworks with water.