Winds, rain factors in wildfire season

Wildfire season in eastern New Mexico isn't so much about a time span as it is about conditions.

"It's before greenup," National Weather Service Meteorologist Annette Mokry said. "Fine fuels like grasses provide dry fuel before the spring rains."

And there is one other key factor:

"The winds," Mokry said. "In the spring, we're in this transition period between winter into summer. Winds aloft are still pretty strong. Afternoon heating causes the strong winds aloft to head to the surface."

Dan Heerding, Clovis' emergency management director, said fire weather season begins when the humidity "really drops" and the winds pick up.

"Fire weather season? We call it spring," he said.

"And the showers, rain will bring the growth," Heerding said. "Once the rains stop that increases the fuel load significantly."

Automobiles are often culprits in starting fires.

"Don't drag your chains on the highway when you tow; that is probably one of the most significant factors of a roadside fire," Heerding said.

"Also, when you pull off to the side of the road your catalytic converter is extremely hot and if the grass on the side of the road is tall enough a fire can happen," Heerding said.

He said last year's April 29 Llano Estacado blaze was "the perfect storm: strong Winds, low humidity, dry terrain from drought and a fire source."

That blaze, started by a van that caught fire on the side of the road, destroyed four homes, 14 outbuildings and a number of vehicles parked outside residences northwest of Clovis.

That same day, a large grass fire estimated at more than 5,000 acres burned to the edge of the southern Quay County village of House, prompting delay of the school prom and numerous evacuation of homes.

Curry County Extension Agent Mindy Turner said New Mexico State University has posted information about wildfires on its website. A list of things to do to prepare for wildfires leads off with the statement, "Always prioritize LIFE over property!"

A few tips to prepare for wildfire season from NMSU:

• Remove shrubbery, wood piles, and other combustible materials.

• Create a family emergency plan. Practice evacuating your family and pets; time yourselves.

• Know where you will go if you have to evacuate.

• Make sure pets are micro-chipped and identifiable.

• Keep vehicles fueled and maintained.

• Know two ways to leave your neighborhood.

• Keep an emergency kit packed and ready to go: water, non-perishable food, medications, money, eyeglasses, infant supplies, clothing, blankets and a flashlight with batteries.

• Locate and be prepared to take important documents: Social Security card, birth certificate, etc., along with small family treasures.