If you are not home, you cannot respond, so having an autonomous system is critical.   Plus, you cannot count on fire hydrants and the public water system to be operational during a fire.   Most people do not realize that fire hydrants are rarely tested and may not operate when needed.  While Local, State, and Federal agencies are trying to improve infrastructure, it is imperative that you as a building or homeowner take matters into your own hands.

During the recent California wildfires, particularly the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, approximately 20% of fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades area experienced low to no water flow. This was primarily due to the rapid depletion of local water tanks, which were exhausted by the early morning of January 8, 2025, as firefighting efforts placed unprecedented demand on the water system.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power reported that all fire hydrants in the area “went dry” by around 3 a.m. PST on January 8.

Consequently, firefighters had to rely on alternative water sources, such as transporting water tanks to affected areas and utilizing swimming pools, to combat the fires.

As of March 2025, New Mexico is facing an elevated wildfire risk for the upcoming summer season. The Gila National Forest has announced that, starting March 10, 2025, it will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions due to extremely high fire danger and persistent dry conditions.

nmfireinfo.com

Our Strategic Partner Frontline Wildfire Defense tracks live New Mexico and International Wildfire Activity.  Elevated Fire is an authorized distributor and installer for Frontline Premium Services.

New Mexico Fire Map from Frontline

The North American Seasonal Fire Assessment and Outlook indicates that above-normal significant fire potential is expected to expand across much of central and western New Mexico by April.

nifc.gov

Additionally, the Southwest Climate Outlook reports that December precipitation ranked as the driest on record for much of New Mexico, contributing to increased fire risk.

climas.arizona.edu

Given these conditions, residents and authorities are advised to prepare for an active wildfire season. Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) is urging customers near high fire-risk areas to prepare for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which may occur to prevent power lines from igniting wildfires.

kob.com

In summary, New Mexico is anticipated to experience above-normal wildfire activity this summer due to persistent dry conditions and increased fire potential. Residents should stay informed about local fire restrictions and take necessary precautions to mitigate wildfire risks.

The United States does not currently have a national wildfire defense system code equivalent to Australia’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings or AS 3959, but efforts are being made at state and local levels to develop and enforce wildfire-resistant building standards. Some key initiatives include:

1. Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Codes

• The International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC), developed by the International Code Council (ICC), provides guidelines for building fire-prone areas.
• States like California, Colorado, and Oregon have adopted or modified WUI codes to require fire-resistant materials, defensible space, and ember protection.

2. California’s Building Code (CBC) – Chapter 7A

• California leads in wildfire defense regulations, requiring homes in high-risk zones to use non-combustible materials, ember-resistant vents, and fire-rated glazing.
• The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) enforces these standards, like Australia’s BAL system.

3. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards

• NFPA 1140 provides guidance on fire prevention, land use, and building design for wildfire-prone areas.
• The Firewise USA® program, managed by the NFPA, promotes community-level wildfire mitigation strategies.

4. State & Local Wildfire Defense Efforts

• States like Washington, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona are considering enhanced wildfire defense codes.
• Some insurance companies and policymakers are advocating for incentives for homeowners who install wildfire defense systems, such as sprinkler systems and ember-resistant upgrades.

While a nationwide wildfire defense code has not been fully established, increasing wildfire threats are pushing more states and agencies to adopt stricter building codes and wildfire mitigation policies similar to those in Australia.   

Australian wildfire defense codes, known as Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings and the Australian Standard AS 3959, establish regulations for building in fire-prone areas. These codes aim to reduce the risk of property damage and enhance safety during wildfires (bushfires). Key aspects include:

1. Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Ratings – Properties in wildfire-prone zones are assigned a BAL rating based on factors like vegetation type, slope, and distance from bushland. The ratings range from BAL-LOW (minimal risk) to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone, extreme risk), with higher levels requiring more fire-resistant construction.
2. AS 3959: Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas – This standard outlines building requirements for different BAL ratings, including:
   • Use of non-combustible materials for walls, roofs, and decks.
   • Ember-proofing openings like windows, vents, and gutters.
   • Installation of fire-resistant glazing and shutters.
3. Defensible Space & Firebreaks – Regulations often require clearing vegetation, maintaining firebreaks, and using low-flammability landscaping to reduce fire spread.
4. Water Supply & Sprinkler Systems – Some areas mandate independent water sources, fire pumps, or rooftop sprinkler systems to improve protection.
5. State & Local Regulations – Australian states, such as New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, have additional bushfire planning laws, like BAL assessments for new developments and compliance with Rural Fire Service (RFS) guidelines.

These codes help minimize wildfire risks and improve the resilience of homes and communities in Australia’s high-risk bushfire zones.