Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire Rescue

06/09/2026

Here’s one of the topics we discussed at tonight’s department meeting, as one of our volunteer emergency medical responders was on the scene of the incident last Monday.

Mountainair, Silver City, now maybe a Popeye's in Deming. What are the risks for first responders as they keep encountering fentanyl? ⬇️ Story link in comments.

06/08/2026

Our department's training meeting is Monday, June 8, at 6 p.m. at PAVFR station 1 in Pinos Altos.
Agenda in comments.

06/04/2026

Firefighters with Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire and Rescue and the Gila National Forest received initial assistance from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office in containing a fire at the Little Walnut Disc Golf Course at 0.25 acres on Saturday.

Visiting Public Information Officer Erin Heep MacEwen said that the disc course fire was human-caused and still has not been declared out.

Pinos Altos Fire Chief Jon Saari said that working on the disc course fire was a cooperative effort, and that the agencies working together were able to contain the fire fast.

“The reason why we were able to be so efficient is the training we’ve been doing and the training with the Forest Service,” Saari said. “They taught us how they lay line and use their hoses, and that’s exactly what we did.”

He said when his crew arrived, a sheriff’s deputy, another law enforcement officer and a Forest Service employee were attempting to stamp out what fire they could with their feet, because they did not have access to water.

By MARCELA JOHNSON Daily Press Staff The Gila National Forest saw five fire starts last week after recent thunderstorms, but all were quickly extinguished. Firefighters with Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire and Rescue and the Gila National Forest received initial assistance from the Grant County Sheriff.....

05/31/2026

Our volunteers responded from the nearby Wagon Wheel station and from our Cottage San and PA stations too. After stopping the spread and beginning mop up, our department handed the fire over the Gila National Forest.

05/28/2026

Just this past Monday, volunteers trained in SCBA use and bottle filling.

Today, the department responded to and assisted in battling a structure fire within our district. Engines and water tenders staffed by our members are still on scene and will be throughout the night.

05/21/2026

We're sending healing thoughts to the first responders who experienced this situation. Reading this is a good reminder that our health and safety as helpers is an important priority too.

https://www.firerescue1.com/hazards-hazmat/n-m-officials-3-dead-18-first-responders-treated-for-exposure-to-unknown-substance

Hazmat teams were called to the scene, which Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto said likely involved narcotics

04/25/2026

Always nice to talk with folks at Continental Divide Trail Coalition TrailDays. Come by our booth in Gough Park before we pack up at 3.

03/28/2026

Much appreciation to our dedicated County firefighters for their unwavering commitment and tireless support in suppression efforts. Your bravery and service continue to keep our community safe, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.

Tyrone Volunteer Fire & Rescue Sapillo Creek Volunteer Fire Department Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire Rescue, Cliff-Gila, Whiskey Creek, Upper & Lower Mimbres, and Ft. Bayard VFR

https://www.scdailypress.com/2026/03/26/hay-fire-put-thursday-afternoon/

03/27/2026

Eleven volunteers from Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire and Rescue responded to the fire in Silver City today.

While all of our equipment and most of our department’s firefighters stayed within our district to be ready for any possible incidents that cropped up tonight, a handful were able to help get a handle on the blaze in town.

📸 Many thanks to Michelle Christman for sharing these photos from the scene.

01/31/2026

A number of volunteers took the opportunity to train with live fire a couple weeks ago. They burned some brush piles on private property in our district. Getting involved with the fire department, the landowner had done some thinning work. attended a previous training burn, and participated in meetings in the months leading up to this.

The Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire and Rescue volunteers are scheduled to complete their annual refresher training for wildland firefighters this month.

Member Carol Gadda provided these photos from the training burn.