Cerro Pelado Fire
Frequently Asked Questions
Los Alamos County is actively updating this page as the situation develops. All FAQs are subject to change as the circumstances change. Check this page frequently for updates.
Last updated May 10 at 8:50am
LANL FAQs can be found HERE.
LA Public Schools FAQs can be found HERE.
Q: If we are evacuated, can we shut off our own utilities?
A: No, it is potentially dangerous for customers to shut off their own services (watch the public service announcement). The Department of Public Utilities will manage service shut offs only if it becomes necessary. DPU will actively monitor the situation in conjunction with the Emergency Operations Center to protect property. DPU can shut off services by neighborhoods, or small segments, as needed for emergency operations.
Q: If the county gets into "go" stage, at any point will power be cut off to homes?
A: DPU will only cut off power and gas to homes that are in danger of fire, and will do so on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.
Q: How do I sign up for CodeRed?
A: You can create an account or simply register your information as a guest. Receive CodeRed emergency alerts about the #CerroPeladoFire and stay informed when it matters most. Click here to sign-up lacnm.com/CodeRed. You can also text "LOSALAMOS" to 99411. Watch this step-by-step video showing you how: https://youtu.be/Nrbc2YYC3Uw.
Q: I signed up for CodeRed and received a confirmation I signed up successfully, yet I am concerned I am not signed up | or, I didn’t receive a message?
A: If residents experience issues with CodeRED please call the following number for assistance (866) 939-0911.
Other troubleshooting steps include:
• Make sure the address you signed up with is a Los Alamos County address
• Make sure your phone does not automatically send unknown numbers to spam or voicemail. The phone call will come from a few different numbers. Two common ones are (855)969-4636 and (866)419-5000
• Make sure your phone does not automatically ignore unknown numbers for text messages. The text message will come from a few different numbers. A common one is (218)350-0131.
• Call your cell provider and see if the CodeRED numbers have been blocked on the provider side
• Make sure you have not previously blocked an 866 number
• Make sure you include an email address. The email will come from [email protected].
• Anyone who signed up using google or facebook credentials, their account is currently locked and unusable due to issues on the CodeRED side. If you signed up using these methods, please email your information to the questions link below, or try signing in again as a guest.
Q: Can we come and go from Los Alamos during the "Ready" and "Set" phases, or will we not be able to re-enter if we leave?
A: Movement in and out of Los Alamos will not be restricted unless we move to "go" status.
Q: Can we come and go from Los Alamos if we are moved to "Go" status?
A: When we move to "Go", it is anticipated we will have 24 hours notice. Movement in and out of Los Alamos will not be restricted. Residents will be allowed adequate time to return home and gather their belongings, families and pets. Once the majority of the town has evacuated, access will be restricted, and individuals will not be able to re-enter. As a reminder, wildfire is unpredictable, and although this is our goal, we cannot guarantee it. In case of an unexpected move to "Go", LAPD may let people in on a case-by-case basis. Families are welcome to leave early during the "set" phase, if you are more comfortable.
Q: Will Rendija Canyon be available for evacuation, if Los Alamos enters the "Go" status?
A: Yes. Los Alamos County Public Works Department, in partnership with the State and San Ildefonso Pueblo, has been grading the road to improve it in case Los Alamos townsite is evacuated. The road will not open until that time. The road will still be best for higher clearance and all-wheel/4-wheel drive vehicles, but a standard sedan will do fine. We do not recommend this route for RVs.
Q: Why aren't the evacuation routes posted for the public?
A: We are not posting the evacuation routes at this time, as we will not know the path of the fire and the safest routes for each neighborhood until the fire is much closer to the community. Based on the Cerro Pelado fire’s current behavior, it is likely that IF an evacuation were to be ordered, it would be for the townsite and would happen with plenty of time for an orderly departure without the need for evacuation zones. Residents are able to leave early during the "Set" status, if you are more comfortable with that.
Q: When can we leave our cars in the Mari-Mac Center parking lot and for how long?
A: If any portion of Los Alamos County reaches “Go” status in the Ready-Set-Go action plan, residents may park there until Los Alamos County is no longer in “Go” status - anticipate 2 weeks of parking (at this time). Please park in front of the vacant buildings as much as possible. Local businesses are still open and need the parking.
Q: Will there be security or surveillance for vehicles left at Mari-Mac Center?
A: Los Alamos Police Department will be patrolling as usual. There will not be someone assigned there 24/7 unless we receive additional manpower from the military.
Q: What is Ready-Set-Go?
A: The Ready, Set, Go Program seeks to share information with residents and property owners on how they can successfully become prepared in the event of a wildland fire. Read the brochure to find out more.
Q: When are we evacuating?
A: Los Alamos County is working closely with LANL, NNSA, the U.S. Forest Service, Sandoval County and the Incident Command. As the fire situation progresses, all agencies have established management action points that will determine the "ready-set-go" actions as appropriate. If we reach “go,” all agencies will coordinate the execution of pre-set evacuation plans. As part of that execution, all agencies will align their communications with their stakeholders and issue them simultaneously.
Based on the Cerro Pelado fire’s current behavior, it is likely that IF an evacuation were to be ordered, it would happen with plenty of time for an orderly departure without evacuation zones. At this time it does not appear that White Rock would need to be evacuated. But this is not always the case. The County will notify the community through the media, social media, and more importantly through its emergency alert system Code Red.
Q: Why isn't Los Alamos County discouraging people from evacuating to White Rock? Won’t that cause a problem if White Rock is later evacuated?
Los Alamos County and fire officials cannot tell people where they can or can’t go once they evacuate. If White Rock is not evacuated, and Los Alamos townsite moves to "Go", we can’t control if people go there with friends/family/etc.
Q: What are the management action points?
A: The Los Alamos County, the Laboratory, NNSA and the U.S. Forest Service have established management action points at which to make decisions about whether to move to the “set” and “go” phases of “ready, set, go,” which are based on the fire’s progression.
The decision to go to “set” will be made if the main body of the fire moves northeast and surpasses Dome Road (Forest Road 289), taking into consideration the fire management incident team’s assessment of the fire (e.g., wind speed, fire behavior).
Decisions about moving to the "go" phase and to evacuate citizens from the townsite will be made if the fire continues to move closer to the Laboratory and townsite and enters into Frijoles Canyon, taking into consideration the incident team’s assessment of the fire (e.g., wind speed, fire behavior).
Decisions about moving to the "go" phase and to evacuate citizens from White Rock will be made if the fire continues to move closer to White Rock and enters into Ancho Canyon, taking into consideration the incident team’s assessment of the fire (e.g., wind speed, fire behavior).
Q: If Los Alamos is moved to "Go" status and evacuated, how will WR residents know when it's really time for them to 'GO'? Is there a chance that WR won't need to evacuate at all?
A: At this time, IF Los Alamos townsite moves to "Go" status and White Rock does not, then Los Alamos townsite will be notified via CodeRed, and the website, social media sites, and news media will all be updated. If, then, it is determined White Rock needs to move to "Go" status as well, White Rock will be notified via CodeRed, and the website, social media sites, and news media will all be updated again to reflect the change.
Since these actions are based on the fire behavior, we are unable to say specifically when or how each action will occur at this time. Moving all of Los Alamos County to "Set" allows us to ensure the entire community is ready to leave in case of an evacuation. There is a chance White Rock will not need to evacuate at all.
Q: Where do find information about resources like shelter locations, evacuating animals, parking and RV storage and parking?
A: The County's Emergency Manager and her staff have reached out to various agencies and organizations to prepare a list of resources available to community members. The list is shared on the County webpage lacnm.com/cerropelado under Resources, and includes information on shelter locations, evacuating animals, vehicle parking and RV parking and storage that are available now unless otherwise stated.
Q: I need special assistance. Who can help me evacuate?
A: Los Alamos County Customer Care Center is taking down names and contact information for residents who need assistance with transportation due to age, disabilities or other special needs. They will pass that information along to coordinators. Customer Care can be reached at 505-662-8333. You can also submit an online form to request assistance. Complete the LAC Transportation Assistance Request FORM on the lacnm.com/cerropelado. Residents are responsible for packing their own belongings.
Q: I have pets and/or large animals. Who can help me evacuate them?
A: Los Alamos County Customer Care Center is taking down names and contact information for residents who need assistance with transportation of large and companion animals. They will pass that information along to coordinators. Customer Care can be reached at 505-662-8333. You can also submit an online form to request assistance. Complete the LAC Animal Assistance Request FORM on lacnm.com/cerropelado. Residents are responsible for packing their own pets’ belongings.
Q: I don’t own a car. Is there any transportation available through the County to help me get out of town?
A: Los Alamos County is working with all transportation resources at hand, including Atomic City Transit, regional Park & Ride and LAPS bus resources as appropriate. The County’s Customer Care Center (505-662-8333) is taking names of individuals needing assistance in evacuation to pass along to appropriate resources. You can also submit an online form to request assistance. Complete the LAC Transportation Assistance Request FORM on the lacnm.com/cerropelado.
Q: Is there a limit to how much I can pack if I am receiving transportation assistance?
A: We recommend no more than three pieces of luggage (prescriptions and important documents should go in your luggage). Residents will need to pack for themselves.
Q: If the County provides a resident assistance evacuating, or assistance with their large animals, will the County assist them in returning when the evacuation is over?
A: Yes
Q: What should I do with my roll-carts? Will my trash get picked up?
A: With Los Alamos County in "Set" status, the following services will continue:
- The Eco Station and Overlook Collection Center are open during regular business hours
- Trash and yard trimmings are being collected as regularly scheduled
- We are accepting excess brush at the Eco Station and Overlook Collection Center
If the Los Alamos townsite moves to "Go" status, townsite residents should put all three types of roll-carts at the curb for pick-up, no matter what their regular day is. We will service trash carts as soon as possible to minimize bear attractions.
If Los Alamos townsite is moved to "Go" status, but White Rock remains in "Set" status, all White Rock services will continue as usual.
If White Rock moves to "Go" status, WR residents should put all three types of roll-carts at the curb for pick-up, no matter what their regular day is.
Q: What do I do with excess food if we are asked to evacuate?
A: Consider donating food to local shelters. Any non-edible food should be placed in your regular trash can. Environmental Services staff will collect trash as soon as possible to minimize bear attractions.
Q: What should I do with my propane tank?
A: If you are able, take it with you when you evacuate. If you can’t take it, you should move it to outdoor space behind your house away from structures. It should be visible to firefighters should they need to enter your yard.
Q: What are the reliable information sources so I can stay informed?
A: Be sure to rely on official sources for the latest information on the Cerro Pelado Fire, such as:
WEBSITES:
Los Alamos County Website: www.losalamosnm.us
Los Alamos County Cerro Pelado website: https://lacnm.com/CerroPelado
Los Alamos County Cerro Pelado FAQs website: https://lacnm.com/CerroPeladoFAQ
Los Alamos County Cerro Pelado Resources website: https://lacnm.com/CerroPeladoResources
Los Alamos County Cerro Pelado Questions form: https://lacnm.com/CerroPeladoQuestions
Los Alamos County CodeRED Sign Up: https://lacnm.com/CodeRed
Ready, Set, Go: https://lacnm.com/ready-set-go
U.S. Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/santafe/
Inciweb incident page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8075/
Sandoval County fire alert page: https://www.sandovalcountynm.gov/fire-alerts/
Fire information:
Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Phone: 505-312-4593 and 303-918-4004
Email: [email protected]
Los Alamos air quality updates can be found on the AirNow website.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Cerro Pelado Fire Information Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/2022.CerroPeladoFire/
NM Fire Info Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nmfireinfo/
Los Alamos County Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/losalamoscounty
Los Alamos National Laboratory Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LosAlamosNationalLab
Los Alamos County Fire Department Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LAFDNM
Sandoval County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sandovalcountygovernment
Sandoval County Fire Rescue Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SCFireDepartment/
Los Alamos County DPU Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/ladpu
Santa Fe National Forest Twitter page: https://twitter.com/santafeNF
Los Alamos County NextDoor page
#cerropeladofire #nmfire