It’s that time of year again. Intense heat, high winds and little rain are the perfect formula for grass fires to regularly break out in our area, and first responders spend hours upon hours smothering them to ensure the safety and well-being of all. 

This week’s forecast calls for over 100-degree heat every day. A recent press release (PDF) from the Hobbs Fire Department (HPD) states that the Wildland Fire Assessment System classifies the Hobbs/Lea County area at “a very high to extreme fire danger level”.

Various examples of the problem are reported almost daily on the Lea County Office of Emergency Management’s Facebook page. Four fires – each requiring substantial manpower to contain, extinguish and mop up – have been recently reported. 

One was on Highway 206 at Mile Marker 11 north of McDonald to which the Tatum Fire Department and Emergency Management responded. Another on Highway 238 near Texas Camp Road was extinguished and mopped up by the Lovington Fire Department, the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, the Monument Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Management. 

A vehicle/grass fire at Mile Marker 71 on U S. Highway 62/180 brought out crews from the Monument and Maljamar Volunteer Fire Departments, the Bureau of Land Management, the Lea County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management, and most recently a fire on Highway 132 at Mile Marker 18 required assistance from the Knowles and Maljamar Volunteer Fire Departments, the Lea County Sheriff’s Office and Lea County Emergency Management.

Public Education Essential 

Grass fires can break out anywhere, not just along public highways. Your property could be the scene of a fire, and knowing how to deal with such a fire, as well as how to prevent it, “…could make the difference in the loss of property or loss of life,” states the HPD in its press release.

In case of fire a specific evacuation plan is a MUST for all households. A meeting place to which all family/household members are knowledgeable is essential. Further all family/household members must be familiar with the location of “all possible exits and escape routes”. 

HPD suggests a drawing of your home’s floor plan for all households with children. Two ways out of each room should be marked, including doors and windows. The press release additionally states that “a second evacuation plan is worthwhile as well, since emergency situations are not likely to be predictable.”

Other important safety and fire prevention tips are:

• Refrain from parking vehicles on “dry grass or shrubs”.

• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof and clean gutters.

• Regularly mow grass, rake leaves and cut off dead limbs.

• “When barbecuing, place ashes or burnt charcoal in a metal bucket and soak in water, checking back regularly to monitor. Keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or other fire suppression tools on hand.”

HPD reminds folks that THE BURNING OF TRASH, BRUSH AND/OR LEAVES IS PROHIBITED WITHIN HOBBS CITY LIMITS. Outside of the city limits a burn permit is required to burn these materials.

HPD asks parents to caution their children about the dangers of playing with fire. “Many grass fires are often started by children who are unaware of how quickly flames can grow and spread,” states the press release.

For more information contact the Hobbs Fire Marshall at (575) 391-8158. Alternatively, leave a message at the HPD Facebook page.