Brazos Firewise

Effective March 27, 2026 - County-Wide Burn Ban in Effect Until Further Notice Click Here to Read More

What is Firewise?

The Brazos Canyon and the western US have been in a drought for the past twenty-five years. Even with a wet winter, the potential for a large fire in the Brazos Canyon will continue to increase.

The Brazos River valley ranks high for fire risk because of the large number of homes, people, limited egress, a dense dry forest, steep terrain, and the potential for both high dollar losses and devastating water quality impacts.

The Brazos community received the “Firewise” designation from the National Fire Protection Association. The Firewise program encourages property owners to take individual responsibility for preparing their home from the risk of wildfire.

Our Mission

The Brazos Firewise team has as its mission to promote “NEIGHBORS WORKING TOGETHER TO CREATE A HEALTHY FOREST GENERATIONS CAN ALSO ENJOY.” Brazos Canyon and the surrounding communities have been active in Firewise programs but became re-energized this year after learning of the High Fire severity threat in the area.

With the help of all of our neighbors and the five-year Firewise plan we can make our communities safer.

Latest News and Updates

Fire Mitigation Now?

Late Winter and early Spring are some of the best times to bring down big trees, cut scrub oak and begin planning to make your home or cabin ready before the fire season hits its full peak

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March 27, 2026 County-wide Burn Ban in Effect

Effective March 27, 2026 a county-wide burn ban is in effect for Rio Arriba County until further notice.

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Updates from District Forester

On January 6th, Kurt Schumacher met with District Forester Joe Carrillo to check on the status of forest treatment projects. Here’s a brief synopsis of that meeting.

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Firewise Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of Brazos Firewise?

The goal of Brazos Firewise is to increase awareness and provide information and resources about the importance of wildfire mitigation in the Brazos Canyon

Why is Brazos Firewise focused on wildfire mitigation in the Brazos Canyon?

The Brazos canyon is at high risk for a wildfire. There has not been a fire in the Brazos Canyon in more than 100 years and the forest has a higher than ideal concentration of fire fuels. Combined with limited access into and out of the canyon, high density fuels and dry conditions in the canyon, it is ripe for a wildfire.

Are there opportunities for education about mitigation strategies available?

Yes, the Brazos Firewise Community Leaders have compiled a variety of resources on wildfire mitigation strategies and resources. An Annual Community Meeting is held, featuring guest speakers on a variety of mitigation efforts property owners can implement and resources are always available on the website’s resource tab

Is there someone that can come to my property and help me create a mitigation plan?

Yes, the New Mexico Forestry Division works with private land owners to develop mitigation plans. Contact the District 1 Forestry office at 575-588-7831 to request a site visit.

Are there people available to help with mitigation needs if I cannot do it myself?

Yes, there are vendors available that can assist property owners with mitigations efforts on their property. Brazos Firewise has compiled a list of vendors known to work in the Brazos Canyon and the list can be found on the website Vendor List.

Note: This Vendor list is for reference purposes only and these vendors are not endorsed by Brazos Firewise.

Is there funding available to help with mitigation efforts in the Brazos Canyon?

Yes, there are grants available that may help property owners mitigate their property of hazardous fuels to create defensible space around their home. Information on grants can be found on the Grant Opportunities page of the Brazos Firewise website.

If there is not a structure on my property, is mitigation necessary?

Yes, vacant lots are some of the highest risks for fire danger in the Brazos Canyon. Pine needles, low lying brush and downed limbs can help fire spread quickly in the canyon and create embers that can travel great distances, spreading fire. All property owners are encouraged to mitigate their land whether there is a structure currently in place or not.

How can I get involved in the Brazos Firewise efforts?

If you are interested in getting involved, you can email info@brazosfirewise.com or contact the Fire Mitigation Team Leader for your subdivision. Volunteers are needed for all aspects of the Firewise efforts including assisting with chipping events, Neighbors helping Neighbors events, writing grant proposals, administrative responsibilities and more.

Can mitigating my property impact my insurance rates?

Possibly. Property owners in the Brazos canyon are seeing increasing challenges with property owners insurance because of the high risk of wildfire. Property owners have reported positive results in getting and/or renewing their insurance after mitigation efforts. Many have noted that their insurance agents have stated that an active Firewise community has helped with the approval process. Questions about mitigation efforts and the impact of mitigation on insurance rates should be discussed with your insurance agent directly as all companies and their policies are written differently.

Where can I dispose of green waste?

As of March 2026, green waste is not currently being accepted by North Central Solid Waste in Tierra Amarilla. Russell Sand & Gravel on Highway 512 has been accepting green waste at a cost of $10 per ton. It is recommended that property owners call 575-588-7933 to ensure they are open and available to accept green waste.