OPINION: After Ruidoso, we know that early detection saves lives and livelihoods
State Sen. Pat Woods argues for funding a statewide wildfire detection camera network, saying early detection can save lives, property and local economies.
State Sen. Pat Woods backs funding for a statewide wildfire detection camera network following destructive fires in Lincoln County
State Sen. Pat Woods
If you live in Lincoln County or southern New Mexico, you don’t need to be convinced that wildfire has changed.
The South Fork and McBride fires that struck the Ruidoso area burned through neighborhoods, forced evacuations, destroyed homes and businesses and shut down a local economy that depends on tourism and outdoor recreation. Our communities have seen fires spread rapidly, sometimes reaching large, difficult-to-contain size before response resources could arrive on scene.
Those fires made one thing painfully obvious: By the time smoke is visible from town, it may already be too late.
That’s why I support legislative funding for a statewide wildfire detection camera network, as unanimously recommended by the Wildfire Study Group established under Senate Memorial 2 (2025).
Wildfires today are increasingly frequent and move faster than ever, driven by drought, wind and dense fuels. Traditional detection methods like 911 calls, lookout reports or chance sightings are no longer enough, especially in mountain communities like Ruidoso, Capitan and surrounding areas where terrain and weather can hide an ignition until it’s too late for effective early response.
New Mexico’s existing wildfire detection camera stations near Santa Fe and Albuquerque have already demonstrated how the technology improves outcomes by detecting the first signs of smoke and providing firefighters with visual intelligence to respond faster and more efficiently.
A special appropriation requested by New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department would allow the state to deploy 45-55 stations statewide, including in southern New Mexico communities facing some of the most dangerous wildfire conditions.
This is also a strong example of smart, cost-effective government. A single major wildfire can cause tens or hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Investing a fraction of that amount in early detection reduces suppression costs, protects infrastructure and helps keep insurance available and affordable for homeowners.
Even more important, the state is not acting alone. Utilities in New Mexico are deploying complementary detection stations, meaning the combined public-private network would cover all 100 of New Mexico’s highest-risk communities based on EMNRD’s community mitigation map.
For communities like Ruidoso, early detection isn’t theoretical — it’s personal. It means better emergency management, better firefighter safety and the situational awareness to help responders stop fires before they cause catastrophic damage.
The Wildfire Study Group’s recommendation was unanimous for a reason. This is proven technology, targeted where it is needed most and designed to help prevent the kind of losses southern New Mexico has already endured.
We owe it to our constituents to make this investment that will help prevent New Mexico’s next catastrophic wildfire.
State Sen. Pat Woods, a Republican, represents District 7 in the New Mexico Senate and has served since 2012. He is a rancher and graduate of New Mexico State University.
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