NMSU Fire Department

02/19/2026

Dr. Rick Marlatt, Dean of NMSU’s College of Health, Education and Social Transformation (HEST) and his staff visited the NMSU Fire Station today. HEST serves over 2,700 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate students, supported by nearly 200 faculty and 150 staff. The College of HEST’s mission is to pursue social change and transformation through education, research and outreach. HEST’s vision is to be collaborators and leaders in the discovery of innovative solutions in health, education and social sciences that lead to social transformation in New Mexico and beyond. For more information on HEST, please visit their website: https:hest.nmsu.edu

Go Aggies!

01/15/2026

Safety Tip: Know your evacuation plan and what to do during a fire drill

As the spring semester gets underway, the NMSU Fire Department wants you to be safe in public buildings on campus and elsewhere. It is important to know your way out in case of an emergency or during a fire drill. Here are some tips to know before you enter public buildings, including restaurants and theaters.

Know your evacuation plan

As you enter, take a moment to look around and familiarize yourself with the environment.
Locate exits immediately and assess which ones are closer or farther away.
You may not always be able to use the main exits because people may overcrowd them due to panic, so locating alternative exits is also important.
Make sure that the exits you recognize have clear pathways and they are not obstructed by furniture, boxes or other objects. If you identify an unclear path blocking an exit, you should report this violation immediately.
Make sure you know what is outside the exit doors, ex: a parking lot, or open area so you can reach transportation and evacuate.
Always have a communication plan for your group.
Pick a meeting place so your group can gather at this location and take accountability for each person.
Once you’re safe, contact 911.

What to do during a fire drill

NMSU’s Fire Department conducts fire drills throughout the year at unannounced times. These drills are very important to help our students, faculty, staff and visitors learn what to do and how to behave in an emergency. The fire department is thoughtful when planning these drills, but please know that at times you may be inconvenienced. Fires seldom occur at convenient times. Here are some steps to follow:

Stop whatever you are doing and calmly proceed to the nearest exit.
Do not run or panic. Panic may cause injuries.
Do not gather personal belongings or keepsakes. Take your keys, cellphone and get out.
Meet outside in a predesignated location and try to account for everyone. If anyone is missing or thought to be inside, let firefighters know when they arrive.
Close the door(s) on the way out. This will prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
If for some reason you cannot exit, call 911 and provide the dispatcher with the type of emergency and your physical location.
Do not re-enter a building even if the alarm is no longer active. Emergency personnel may silence the alarm while they investigate. Only re-enter after the building is declared safe by the fire department.

False alarms: Don’t be complacent and assume an alarm is false. Universities have seen students, faculty or staff lose their lives because they didn’t evacuate when they had the chance. While many fire alarms may turn out to be false, no one can be sure of a false alarm until after the fire department responds.

Malicious alarms: Some less mature individuals find it amusing to activate fire alarms. Malicious false alarms cause the following:

Complacency among people who are annoyed and stop appropriately responding to alarms.
Emergency responders are taken away from, or delayed in responding to other emergency situations where they are needed.
People may sustain injuries while evacuating; other people succumb to medical conditions such as seizures when an alarm is triggered
Everyone is inconvenienced until the firefighters have determined the building is safe to occupy again.

The NMSU Fire Department wants you to be safe in public places. Know your surroundings.

NMSU’s Emergency Planning Committee encourages each department to update its Emergency Action Plan. Learn more about NMSU fire prevention and safety.

11/19/2025

Safety Tip: Space heaters

Colder weather is finally arriving, along with the use of portable heaters. Yes, portable heaters are allowed on campus when you follow the Fire Prevention Guidelines. Portable propane heaters are NOT allowed on campus.

Please note that approval of all space heaters must now come through Environmental Health Safety and Risk Management (EHS&RM) and not through Facilities and Services. Before making a purchase, contact EHS&RM at 646-3327 or [email protected].

When it’s chilly outside, there is nothing better than having a toasty house or office, and portable heaters are a great way to stay warm. However, if they are not properly used, they can be extremely dangerous. New Mexico State University Fire Department wants you to have a safe November. Here are some tips to follow when using a portable heater.

Not every portable heater works for every situation, which makes it extremely important to review the manufacture’s recommendations about the heater before you buy it. Here are some things to review when considering a portable heater:

Check it monthly. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, it is highly recommend you purchase one before using a portable heater. Be sure to check the detector monthly to ensure it’s working properly.
Proper fit. When you purchase a portable heater, be sure to buy one that is rated for the approximate square-footage of the room or space you plan to use it in. A gas space heater that is too large or improperly ventilated or malfunctioning can increase the risk of CO buildup. An electric space heater that is too large for a certain area will consume lots of energy and lead to higher utility bills.
Safety certification. Portable space heaters that are listed by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories have been tested, proven and certified to meet specific safety standards. The manufacturers of these heaters are also required to provide consumers with important information about the safe usage and care of the units. Some common testing laboratory certifications to look for include UL (Underwriters Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards Association), ETL (Intertek Group) and AGA (American Gas Association). These certifications may not always be listed in product materials, so it's a good idea to ask about any safety listings the product has received.
Opt for a tip-over feature. It’s always a good idea to look into what safety features your heaters have. For example, heaters that have tip-over and overheat protection are much safer than those that don’t. A heater equipped with a tip-over switch will automatically shut off if it is tipped over accidentally. Portable heaters with overheat protection switches function in nearly the same manner. This switch acts as a temperature sensor, detecting when a heater's internal components become too hot. The switch automatically shuts off the unit to prevent overheating.
Maintain your heater. Just like checking your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, it is important to check and maintain your heater.
Never leave your heater unattended; shut off and unplug the heater. When you are leaving an area, turn off the portable space heater and unplug it. Do this when you go to sleep as well, but make sure you have an adequate and safe heating alternative if need be. Many heaters feature programmable timers that can be used to program automatic on and off times.
Educate your children about the need to be safe around the heater. Talk to them about not touching it, running around it or placing things on it.
Three-Foot Distance. Make sure your heater is a safe distance from any combustible item. Position a portable space heater at least three feet away from furniture, window treatments, bedding, clothing, rugs and other combustibles. These items can easily catch fire if they contact a unit's electric heating element, open flame or too-hot surface. Never sit or drape anything on top of a portable heater. In addition, be sure that the heater is placed on a hard, level surface that is non-flammable.
Never use portable propane heater inside your home or office. They are made to be used in well-ventilated open areas. Remember, propane heaters are not allowed on campus.

If you have any questions about the use or want help with installation, please contact the NMSU Fire Department at 646-2519. Stay warm and safe this winter season!
-30-

CUTLINE: Portable heaters are allowed on campus but not propane heaters. No extension cords should be used with these heaters and no daisy chaining (linking extension cords to other extension cords) should ever be used. Always keep combustibles at least three feet from a portable heater. (NMSU Fire Department photo)

10/30/2025

It’s that time of year to set your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. The change back to standard time is a perfect way to remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. New Mexico State University's Fire Department encourages you to check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors every month to ensure they are in proper working condition. If you don’t have these in your home off campus, we strongly advise you to invest in these items.

Remember: Hear a beep, get on your feet. Hear a chirp, make a change.

Smoke alarms:

A continued set of three loud beeps — beep, beep, beep — means smoke or fire. Get out, call 911, and stay out.
A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

Carbon (CO) monoxide alarms

A continuous set of four loud beeps — beep, beep, beep, beep — means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Go outside, call 911, and stay out.
A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced.
CO alarms also have “end-of-life” sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it’s time to get a new CO alarm.
Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.

Always notify the fire department in case of emergency and when your smoke detector is activated. Call 911.

10/15/2025

Halloween activities can be enjoyable for both parents and children when safety is top-of-mind while trick-or-treating. New Mexico State University’s Fire Department would like to share a few safety tips to help make Oct. 31 a “spooktacular” evening.

Children should never talk to strangers or venture too far from your parents.
Parents take a look at your children’s candy before they eat them to make sure none of it has been tampered with.
Make sure costumes or decorations do not come in contact with open flames, such as candles in jack-o’-lanterns.
Come up with a safe meeting place in case you and your group get separated from each other.
Parents talk with your children about who they should talk to if they get lost. (ex: police officers or another parent with children.)
Look both ways before you cross the road and use crosswalks.
Make yourself visible. Carry a flashlight, glow stick or wear something reflective.
Motorists should be on the lookout for more pedestrians, especially small children and primarily on residential streets.

With these tips in mind, we hope you have a safe night!

-30-

CUTLINE: NMSU Fire Department wishes the campus community a sweet and safe Halloween. (NMSU Fire Department)

09/13/2025

The NMSU Fire Department hosted a memorial stair climb on Thursday, September 11th to honor those Firefighters that sacrificed their lives saving others. “We will never forget”.

09/11/2025

The New Mexico State University Fire Department will host a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb from 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

The event, which is free and open to the public, honors the lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by replicating the 110 flights of stairs first responders faced at the World Trade Center. Participants are invited to walk the stadium stairs at their own pace.

“The most impactful part of the event is seeing how the memory of that day continues to live on, especially through the younger generation,” NMSU Fire Captain Tyler Laramore said. “Their participation and respect show that the sacrifices made by first responders and military personnel have not been forgotten.”

This year, NMSU ROTC cadets will join the climb, alongside members of the NMSU community and local agencies. Invitations are extended to Doña Ana County Fire Rescue, NASA Fire Department, Mesilla Fire Department, City of Las Cruces Fire Department and NMSU Police Department.

“More than just a physical challenge, the stair climb is an act of remembrance. It reminds us of the courage, selflessness and unity that defined that day and the years that followed,” Laramore said. “The actions of that day continue to inspire us through the work we do.”

Gates to the stadium will remain open throughout the evening. Water fountains and restrooms will be available along the concourse, but participants are encouraged to bring their own bottled water.

09/02/2025

Safety Tip: Know your evacuation plan and what to do during a fire drill

As the fall semester gets underway, the NMSU Fire Department wants you to be safe in public buildings on campus and elsewhere. It is important to know your way out in case of an emergency or during a fire drill. Here are some tips to know before you enter public buildings, including restaurants and theaters.

Know your evacuation plan

As you enter, take a moment to look around and familiarize yourself with the environment.
Locate exits immediately and assess which ones are closer or farther away.
You may not always be able to use the main exits because people may overcrowd them due to panic, so locating alternative exits is also important.
Make sure that the exits you recognize have clear pathways and they are not obstructed by furniture, boxes or other objects. If you identify an unclear path blocking an exit, you should report this violation immediately.
Make sure you know what is outside the exit doors, ex: a parking lot, or open area so you can reach transportation and evacuate.
Always have a communication plan for your group.
Pick a meeting place so your group can gather at this location and take accountability for each person.
Once you’re safe, contact 911.

What to do during a fire drill

NMSU’s Fire Department conducts fire drills throughout the year at unannounced times. These drills are very important to help our students, faculty, staff and visitors learn what to do and how to behave in an emergency. The fire department is thoughtful when planning these drills, but please know that at times you may be inconvenienced. Fires seldom occur at convenient times. Here are some steps to follow:

Stop whatever you are doing and calmly proceed to the nearest exit.
Do not run or panic. Panic may cause injuries.
Do not gather personal belongings or keepsakes. Take your keys, cellphone and get out.
Meet outside in a predesignated location and try to account for everyone. If anyone is missing or thought to be inside, let firefighters know when they arrive.
Close the door(s) on the way out. This will prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
If for some reason you cannot exit, call 911 and provide the dispatcher with the type of emergency and your physical location.
Do not re-enter a building even if the alarm is no longer active. Emergency personnel may silence the alarm while they investigate. Only re-enter after the building is declared safe by the fire department.

False alarms: Don’t be complacent and assume an alarm is false. Universities have seen students, faculty or staff lose their lives because they didn’t evacuate when they had the chance. While many fire alarms may turn out to be false, no one can be sure of a false alarm until after the fire department responds.

Malicious alarms: Some less mature individuals find it amusing to activate fire alarms. Malicious false alarms cause the following:

Complacency among people who are annoyed and stop appropriately responding to alarms.
Emergency responders are taken away from, or delayed in responding to other emergency situations where they are needed.
People may sustain injuries while evacuating; other people succumb to medical conditions such as seizures when an alarm is triggered
Everyone is inconvenienced until the firefighters have determined the building is safe to occupy again.

The NMSU Fire Department wants you to be safe in public places. Know your surroundings.

NMSU’s Emergency Planning Committee encourages each department to update its Emergency Action Plan. Learn more about NMSU fire prevention and safety.

06/26/2025

Fire Department to Graduate 16 Cadets Friday

The Las Cruces Fire Department will graduate 16 cadets from its 38th Fire Academy on Friday.

The commencement ceremony begins at 5 p.m. Friday, June 27, at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Main St. in Downtown Las Cruces.

Fire cadets expected to graduate on Friday include Jacob Arellano, Jacob Baldwin, Rebekah Butler, Patrick Cardon, Alejandro Carrillo, Jacob Casillas, Henry Gardner, Samuel Grant, Brian Korn, Jazmin Martinez, Trent Mims, Juan Ortiz Villa, Charles Ray, Leah Schnell, Shane Sowers and Melvin Villegas.

The Fire Academy provides 640 hours of field training and classroom instruction over a span of 16 weeks. During the academy, cadets received training in firefighting techniques, hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, technical rescue and fire inspection.

Beginning June 29, the graduates who already have their EMT-Basic License will be assigned to one of eight fire stations for emergency response. The remaining cadets will complete another eight weeks of EMT-Basic training before they are licensed.

05/28/2025

05/12/2025

Special thanks to Si Senor’s who brought over some burrito’s in recognition of “Mental Health Awareness Month”.

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support. For more information: Mental Health Awareness Month | SAMHSA