Santa Fe County fire officials at a wildfire-preparedness event urged residents to reduce ignition risk around homes and offered county green-waste drop-off days to help homeowners prepare.

Why it matters: Officials said preventing ember ignition and clearing flammable debris around structures are critical defenses against wildfires that can spread from airborne embers.

Captain Folner, wildland captain for the Santa Fe County Fire Department, told attendees to consult the county's wildland division materials online and follow the Ready, Set, Go guidance. "Go on our website Santa Fe County Fire Department. Look under the wildland division," he said, pointing residents to PDFs with step-by-step advice.

The captain emphasized the hazard posed by airborne embers. "Think of a ember flying in the air and landing," he said, adding that homeowners should clear gutters, remove wood piles near structures and eliminate roof debris that could ignite. He noted that even metal roofs often have wood underlayment and that accumulated debris can sustain fire long enough to ignite structures.

Olivia, communications coordinator with Santa Fe County, reminded residents that the county had scheduled free green-waste and solid-waste drop-off days and directed people to the county website for details: "Santa Fe County has also posted and scheduled free green waste and solid waste drop off days. ... You can visit SantaFecountynm.gov to learn more." Event staff said the fairgrounds event itself would run until noon.

Officials did not announce new regulations or mandated clearances; they presented guidance and county services to assist voluntary mitigation.

County materials and the Ready, Set, Go PDFs contain more detailed zone and defensible‑space guidance for homeowners.