Wildfire Safety & Preparedness

Prepare early. Stay informed. Know how to protect your household, property, pets, and evacuation plans before wildfire season begins.

Ruidoso’s wildfire risk is real and evolving. The best protection is preparation before an emergency happens. Use the resources below to build your plan, reduce risk, and stay ready throughout wildfire season.

Start Here: Wildfire Readiness

Use these key preparedness steps to reduce risk, protect your household, and respond more quickly if wildfire conditions change.

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Know What to Do

Understand wildfire safety steps before fire approaches your home or neighborhood.

Review wildfire actions
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Prepare a Go Bag

Keep essential supplies ready so you can leave quickly if an evacuation order is issued.

Build your go bag
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Know Your Zone

Evacuation orders are issued by zone. Know yours before an emergency happens.

Find your evacuation zone
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Get Official Alerts

Register for emergency alerts so you receive wildfire, evacuation, road, and weather updates.

Sign up for alerts
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Protect Your Home

Remove flammable materials near structures and reduce wildfire risk around your property.

Prepare your property
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Plan for Pets

Make sure pets and livestock are included in your household evacuation plan.

Plan for animals

If a Fire Approaches Your Home

Only take these actions if it is safe to do so. Always follow instructions from emergency officials.

Reduce Immediate Fire Risk

  • Let nearby neighbors know if it is safe to do so.
  • Remove outdoor furniture, tarps, firewood, and other flammable items near the dwelling.
  • Water walls, roof, and the area around the house if time and conditions allow.
  • If safe, disconnect and move gas cylinders to a safer location.

Protect the Interior

  • Close doors, windows, vents, and other openings.
  • Close blinds or shutters.
  • Move anything that can burn away from windows.
  • Place wet towels in crevices where embers or smoke may enter.

Important

If evacuation orders are issued, leave immediately. Do not delay evacuation to protect property.

What to Do During a Wildfire

These steps are intended to help residents respond safely during changing wildfire conditions.

If You Are Near a Fire

  • Immediately call 911.
  • Avoid exposure to smoke; cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth if needed.
  • Protect your body from flames and heat with dry, long clothing.
  • Do not block access routes needed by firefighters or emergency responders.
  • Move your vehicle away from fire access routes.
  • Follow all official instructions.

If You Are Surrounded by Fire

  • Make your way to a shelter or collective refuge if one is nearby.
  • If no shelter is nearby, look for a flat area with water or little vegetation.
  • Breathe close to the floor, preferably through a wet cloth.
  • Cover your head and body.
  • Call 911 and communicate your situation to authorities.

If You Are Confined Inside a Building

  • Keep calm.
  • Close doors, windows, and openings where sparks may enter.
  • Move curtains, sofas, and other flammable items away from windows.
  • Place wet towels around doors and windows.
  • Stay away from walls and windows.
  • Shelter in rooms farthest from the approaching fire.
  • Call 911 and wait for official instructions.

After the Fire Passes

  • Check for fire outbreaks around the dwelling and on the roof only if it is safe.
  • Continue monitoring official information.
  • Do not return to evacuated areas until authorities say it is safe.

Have an Evacuation Kit Ready

Keep essential supplies packed and accessible so your household can leave quickly.

  • First-aid kit
  • Usual medications
  • Water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Change of clothes
  • Radio
  • Flashlight
  • Whistle
  • Cash
  • Identification documents
  • Family and friends contact list

Build a More Complete Go Bag

For a full 72-hour household checklist, visit the dedicated Build a Go Bag page.

View the go bag checklist →

In Case of Evacuation

If officials issue an evacuation order, leave immediately and follow the direction of emergency responders.

When You Leave

  • Keep calm and obey official instructions.
  • Help children, older adults, and people with mobility limitations.
  • Take your evacuation kit and identification documents.
  • Do not waste time collecting unnecessary items.
  • Do not go back once you leave.

Before You Exit

  • Close doors and windows as you leave.
  • Take pets with you.
  • Follow designated evacuation routes when provided.
  • Comply with instructions from authorities and emergency responders.

Protect Yourself from Smoke

Wildfire smoke can affect air quality even when flames are not nearby.

Keep Indoor Air Cleaner

  • Keep smoke outside as much as possible.
  • Choose a room that can be closed off from outside air.
  • Use a portable air cleaner or filter if available.
  • If using central air, use high-efficiency filters when possible.
  • Set systems to recirculate mode or close the outdoor intake damper.

Reduce Smoke Exposure

  • Avoid candles, gas, propane, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, aerosol sprays, frying, broiling, smoking, and vacuuming.
  • Use a respirator only when appropriate. Respirators are not made to fit children.
  • If you have heart or lung disease, ask your doctor whether a respirator is safe for you.
  • Pay attention to symptoms if you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or are pregnant.
  • Get medical help if needed.

Additional Wildfire Safety Resources

Use these trusted resources for more detailed wildfire preparedness and safety guidance.

Ready.gov Wildfires Federal wildfire preparedness and response guidance. CDC Wildfire Safety Health and smoke safety guidance during wildfire events. American Red Cross Wildfire safety tips and household preparedness guidance.

Prepare Before Conditions Change

Wildfire preparedness works best before smoke, road closures, or evacuation orders begin. Take a few steps now to protect your household later.