Los Alamos firefighters train at the New Mexico Fire Academy in Socorro. Photo by Louisa Martinez/LAFD
As wildfire season begins, residents are urged to attend an informational event called “Wildfire 2012” from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 14 in the Council Chambers and adjacent Training Room (inside the Community Building at 475 20th St.
The event is sponsored by the Los Alamos Fire Department, in partnership with several local agencies.
There will be a joint presentation on the Las Conchas 2011 Wildfire, including a possible panel discussion with representatives from the following agencies:
- U.S. Park Service
- U.S. Forest Service
- Valles Calderas National Preserve
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Los Alamos County
- National Weather Service
Other displays and information include:
- Sand table demonstration of the Las Conchas Fire presented by LANL Emergency Management
- An opportunity to register your cell phone and e-mail addresses with Los Alamos County Emergency Management for emergency notifications from the County
- Information on Defensible Space, Fire Wise and Ready, Set, Go! Programs – learn how to make your home defendable in the event of a wildfire
- Information from Bandelier, USFS and the Valles Calderas National Preserve on what is accessible and plans for the upcoming months for hiking, camping, and activities in their respective areas
- Learn about fire weather from the National Weather Service
- View photos of the Las Conchas Fire, courtesy of the Los Alamos Historical Society
- Fire-fighting apparatus on public display with LAFD crews
- Handouts and information about local mitigation efforts
- Learn about the new participatory exhibit Living with Wildfire being planned by the Bradbury Science Museum. Opening at the Museum in late May, the exhibit will have a recording booth where you’ll be able to tell your personal wildfire story, and listen to stories told by others – both at the Museum and on the Museum’s website
In addition, Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog will be on hand to greet children.
