Radio Ruidoso, City Bank New Mexico and the Bonito Fire Department are proud to present these fire safety tips and information to our residents and visitors.

USFA's Kid's Place. It's where the fun starts....
with Fire Safety!

stands for the United States Fire Administration. The USFA is part of the federal government. One of our jobs is to help prevent fires. We want everyone to be safe from fire, including you! The Kids Page is full of tips that can help you and your family be safe from fire.

Kids click here!

Prepare Your Family For The Unexpected!

 Know how to contact fire emergency services in your area.  Dial 911.

 Plan ahead. Make sure you and your family are prepared for a fire emergency.

 Develop and practice escape and evacuation plans with your family. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Pick Halloween or another familiar day that you will remember.. Consider installing the new long-life smoke alarms.

Fire Facts about Rural Living - Protect Your Home

 Have chimneys, wood stoves and all home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.

 Use fire resistant, protective roofing and materials like stone, brick and metal to protect your home. Avoid using wood materials that offer the least fire protection.

 Post home address signs that are clearly visible from the road.

 Provide emergency vehicle access with properly constructed driveways and roadways, at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.

 Make sure water sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire department.

 Burning yard waste is a fire hazard. Check with your local fire agency on a non-emergency number for fire permit requirements and restricted burning times.

 Use fire-resistant draperies for added window protection.

 Cover all exterior vents, attics and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters.

 Install multi-pane windows, tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows from radiant heat.

 Once a fire starts outdoors in a rural area, it is often hard to control. Wildland firefighters are trained to protect natural resources, not homes and buildings.

 Many homes are located far from fire stations. The result is longer emergency response times. Within a matter of minutes, an entire home may be destroyed by fire.

 Limited water supply in rural areas can make fire suppression difficult.

 Homes may be secluded and surrounded by woods, dense brush and combustible vegetation that fuel fires.


Tips For Making Your Property Fire Resistant

 Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked, and the roof and rain-gutters free from debris such as dead limbs and leaves.

 Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.

 Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.

 Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your home.

 Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly.

 Post home address signs that are clearly visible from the road.

 Provide emergency vehicle access with properly constructed driveways and roadways, at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.

 Make sure water sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire department.

 Burning yard waste is a fire hazard. Check with your local fire agency on a non-emergency number for fire permit requirements and restricted burning times.

 Use fire-resistant draperies for added window protection.

 Have chimneys, wood stoves and all home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.

If you need more information, call the Bonito Volunteer Fire Department at (505) 336-4308.