ENEWS
Fire Prevention Division
What is Fire Prevention?The goal of the Fire Prevention Division is to prevent the loss of life and damage to environment, property and other values in Santa Fe County through the establishment of community partnerships, information dissemination, code development and enforcement, planning, review and active involvement in our communities. History of Fire Prevention in Santa Fe CountyThe past five years have been very productive and successful for the Fire Prevention Division, despite their growing responsibilities and understaffing. The past six years has witnessed a major shift in customer and quality service, resulting in the professionalism and effectiveness of the Prevention staff, specifically in the areas of plan and development review, review and approval of fire protection systems, management and administration of the county fire hydrant testing and maintenance program, inspections and permitting programs, fee for service program and rural fire protection systems programs. Additionally, the development and implementation of the first Wildland-Urban Interface Code in New Mexico, also the only participative code in the Southwestern United States has made the County Fire Department a model for numerous other agencies across the county. Also one of only six areas in North America chosen as a beta test site for the now very successful Firewise Communities USA program, the County received a national award for its efforts. Through this program, the Prevention Division developed a wildland-urban interface hazard assessment model that has also garnered national recognition for its effectiveness and innovation. The creation of the Santa Fe Wildfire Cooperators also improved interagency and community relations regarding wildfire issues. Other programs developed and implemented and/or piloted were the water harvesting/recapture program, saving tens of thousands of gallons of water for drought-stricken Santa Fe County, the low hazard commercial self-inspection program, the county citation and enforcement program, hazardous materials readiness and training program, and numerous public outreach and information programs throughout the county. The Prevention Divisions proactive, participative model has proven to be an effective and legitimate modality that enjoys success, credibility and wide support from its constituents. Fire Preventions Tips
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