Wildfire Safety & Prevention | PNM's Commitment to Protecting New Mexico - pnmprod
Keeping Our Communities Safe
Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention
Leveraging Technology
We are using advanced technologies to better inspect, assess and monitor conditions of our system, including:
- LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) equipment
- Satellite and UAS (Uncrewed Aerial Systems)
- Daily Situational Awareness forecast reports, and
- Software combining public datasets and fire behavior models using AI and machine learning
Upgrading and Maintaining our Infrastructure
We are upgrading, expanding and hardening our infrastructure to incorporate equipment with the ability to collect and communicate data, integrate sensors, allow remote operability, and utilize materials and specifications designed to reduce the risk of ignition. High-risk areas are prioritized for these improvements.
When vegetation comes in contact with power lines, it can result in power outages, or worse, a spark. See more about how PNM manages vegetation.
Safety is one of our core values. As the risk of wildfire has grown, we are taking additional steps and investing in technology to ensure our equipment does not threaten the safety of our customers and communities. View PNM's full Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
Implementing Preventative Measures
In normal conditions, equipment known as "reclosers" are used to detect faults, quickly interrupt power to clear temporary issues, and then automatically restore service - significantly reducing outage restoration times for customers.
When a Red Flag Warning is issued in a High Fire Risk Area, PNM enacts Wildfire Safety Mode. In this mode, the settings on this equipment is modified to keep power off to prevent ignition from obstructions.
As a last-resort measure, to prioritize community safety, PNM may implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) when conditions present an extreme risk of our equipment sparking or intensifying a fire.
Do you live in a High Fire Risk Area?
If you live in one of these areas, you will likely experience our increased preventative measures, including Wildfire Safety Mode or a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Learn more to be prepared.
Engaging and Educating our Communities
We have worked collaboratively with federal and state agencies, first responders, government, tribal government and industry entities to develop and share plans. We continue to conduct exercises with multiple levels of emergency-disaster response to prepare for wildfire events and talk with communities about caring for their vulnerable community members.
We have also been hosting Wildfire Town Hall events across the state in High Fire Risk Areas in conjunction with local agencies to provide information to the public, create awareness and foster preparedness.
What You Can Do
With wildfires becoming an increasing threat in New Mexico, we can all play a role in reducing the risk.
- Trim trees and vegetation around your home.
- Clear gutters and debris to prevent fire spread.
- Keep an emergency power outage kit ready in case of evacuation.
- Identify primary and alternate evacuation routes from your home.
- Create a communication plan with 3+ contacts willing to assist you during a power outage.
- Sign up for county emergency alerts to stay informed.
