Two wildland/urban interface fires in New Mexico in 1989 were dangerous enough to generate an interagency response both during the fire and after, when the East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association was founded. In January 1990 local agencies started talking with each other about the problems associated with the two fires. A February meeting was a big success, as the participants expressed a greater understanding of the wildand/urban interface fire danger in New Mexico and the Albuquerque area. They knew the situation was only going to get worse unless local agencies concentrated their efforts to provide a unified fire supression system. The Association was formed on February 17 with a diverse membership of federal, state, county, municipal, and village governments. (Excerpt from article by Louie Casaus, Wildfire News & Notes, 1992)

EMIFPA has grown over the years. Its present membership includes over ten different agencies, volunteer fire departments, neighborhood associations, local residents and businesses. Representatives from these agencies and and other interested parties meet on a regular basis. These meetings foster communication between all the participants which is vital in maintaining a working relationship in order to address mutual goals in an effective and coordinated manner. A major focus of EMIFPA is improving radio communications between all participating agencies during small and large scale emergency events. Another is assisting residents and communities in minimizing the risk of catastrophic fire damage and being prepared for fire emergencies. EMIFPA has sponsored numerous projects and programs for the past twelve years.

Officers

President: Mike Jaffa, Tijeras Fire Department
Vice President: Craig Lake, Albuquerque Fire Department
Treasurer: Deb Stefan, public representative
Secretary: Karen Lightfoot, New Mexico State Forestry

Board Members

Nettie Condit - American Red Cross
Richard Bustamante - US Forest Service
Steve Remenar - Kirtland AFB

Members

United States Forest Service
New Mexico State Forestry
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department
Sandoval County Fire Department
Bernaillo County Fire and Rescue
Albuquerque Fire Department
Tijeras Volunteer Fire Department
Edgewood Fire Department-SFCFD
Local Volunteer Fire Departments
Kirtland Air Force Base
American Red Cross

Sponsors

Raindance Enterprises
New Mexico Brewers Association
WeckTech
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar

Supporters

Rust Rentals
Salvation Army
The Independent
Mountain View Telegraph
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Waste Management of New Mexico

EMIFPA
P.O. Box 2471
Tijeras, NM 87059
e-mail: albuturkey@hotmail.com