THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE KICKS OFF WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH

SANTA FE, N.M – The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) is kicking off Wildfire Awareness Month this week, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, prevention, and community engagement across the state.

During spring and summer months of heightened wildfire awareness, OSI is reminding the public to take simple, proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk, create a defensible space, review insurance coverage, and stay aware when there is elevated wildfire risk.

“Wildfire Awareness Month is an important time to remind New Mexicans that preparation today can make a major difference tomorrow,” said Melissa Robertson, Bureau Chief, Property and Casualty Bureau, OSI. “Throughout the entirety of the year but especially during increased months of wildfire risk, OSI is committed to helping consumers take steps to protect their home and property, understand their coverage, prepare financially, and access resources before and after a wildfire. We are here and ready to help New Mexicans navigate challenges related to wildfire – and help mitigate them before they start.”

During peak wildfire months, there are a number of activities people engage in daily that can be the unfortunate cause of wildfire. The most hazardous activities include burning debris, campfires that are not put out properly or left unattended, and failures in vehicle maintenance – such as dragging chains or parking on dry grass.

“Community participation in wildfire prevention is absolutely key,” said Laura McCarthy,State Forester, New Mexico Forestry Division, EMNRD. “Wildfire prevention starts at the local level. When communities work together to create defensible space, follow fire safety guidance, and stay informed, we can significantly reduce risk and better protect lives, property, and natural resources.”

Throughout the month of May, OSI will be releasing a series of news releases that include public information updates on wildfire awareness, including activities this summer that can spark fire, recommendations for tool/mechanical use, identifying hazards and how to report them, go-bag essentials, and more.

“We recognize that many New Mexicans live in high-risk wildfire areas and some are facing difficult insurance challenges, including non-renewals,” said OSI Superintendent Alice Kane. “Our office is here to help consumers understand their options, connect them with resources, and make sure they are not navigating these challenges alone. Preparedness starts with awareness, and we encourage everyone to take steps now to protect their homes, their finances, and their families.”

For more information about wildfire preparedness and insurance resources from OSI, visit this page.

For more information about wildfire prevention and defensible space from New Mexico’s Forestry Division (EMNRD) visit this page.

Residents can also visit this page to review the Wildfire Prepared Home program.

Media Note: In-person interviews are available in Santa Fe. Virtual interviews via Teams and phone interviews are also available.

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About the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance
The Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) is New Mexico’s regulatory agency responsible for overseeing a wide range of insurance products, including private health and life insurance, auto, home, business, and title insurance. Bureaus within OSI that assist with disaster and wildfire-related insurance are the Property and Casualty Bureau – which reviews and renders determinations on property and casualty rates, rules, and form filings – and the Consumer Assistance Bureau, which has specialized knowledge in the insurance claims and complaint process and assists consumers with their insurance disputes, as well as educates consumers for a better understanding of their policies and coverages.