Wildfires more than 30 years ago in the East Mountain wildland-urban interface prompted founding of the East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association (EMIFPA) on February 17, 1990. At that time, the Association was a diverse mix of federal, state, county, municipal, and village governments working together to provide a unified wildfire suppression response.
EMIFPA grew throughout the years with the participation of local residents, neighborhood associations, and businesses. This is vital for maintaining working relationships to achieve mutual goals.
In cooperation with Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District, EMIFPA spearheaded an effort in 2006 to create a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for the East Mountains using a community-based process. That Plan was updated in 2015. In 2022, Bernalillo County updated the 2015 Plan by incorporating the entire county in a Countywide Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
In 2022, to keep pace with increased wildfire potential in the East Mountains, EMIFPA rebranded its title and logo, as well as its approach to wildfire preparedness information distribution and education efforts. EMIFPA is now East Mountain Wildfire Preparedness Association (EMWPA).
EMWPA sponsors numerous education, outreach, and fire training opportunities throughout the East Mountains, including the following:
