06/08/2026
The Elephant Butte Fire Department is pleased to announce the acquisition of property located at 45 Underwood in the Lakeshore Highlands subdivision. This project was made possible through state grant funding and represents a significant investment in the safety and protection of our community.
The purpose of this project is to improve fire protection capabilities in Lakeshore Highlands and strengthen the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating for both the City of Elephant Butte and the Elephant Butte Fire District. Improvements to the ISO rating may result in lower homeowners' insurance premiums for some property owners.
The City of Elephant Butte currently maintains an ISO rating of 5/5X. The remaining 1,233.5 square miles outside city limits is listed as an ISO rating of 10. One of the major factors affecting these ratings is the limited availability of water supplies for firefighting operations in many areas of the district.
The project includes the installation of a 50,000-gallon non-potable water storage tank. The water tank will be maintained by an on-site well. The tank will be connected to a fire hydrant capable of delivering at least 500 gallons per minute for firefighting. This property and water source will be dedicated exclusively to fire suppression operations.
Lakeshore Highlands currently has no fire hydrants and no nearby dependable water source for firefighting. Under current conditions, if a structure fire were to occur in the subdivision, a responding apparatus could take between 45 and 60 minutes to leave the scene, refill its water supply, and return. This project will provide firefighters with immediate access to water and significantly improve fire protection in the area.
This project is another step toward improving emergency services throughout our community. Our goal remains the same: to provide the highest level of service possible while protecting lives and property.
Anyone with questions, comments, or concerns regarding this project is encouraged to contact:
Fire Chief Roger Long
Office: 575-744-5000
Cell: 575-740-9207
Elephant Butte Fire Department
101 Water Avenue
Elephant Butte, NM
Interim City Manager Laura Whiteside
Office 575-744-4892
City of Elephant Butte
103 Water Avenue
Elephant Butte, NM
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding emergency responses.
Thank you for your continued support of the Elephant Butte Fire Department and the City of Elephant Butte.
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