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Los Alamos marks 25th anniversary of Cerro Grande fire; officials urge continued preparedness
Summary
Veterans of the 2000 Cerro Grande fire and current fire officials were recognized; speakers stressed lingering wildfire risk, the importance of mitigation, and invited community contributions to a county remembrance project.
Los Alamos County Council on May 6 recognized the 25th anniversary of the Cerro Grande fire and hosted remarks from former and current fire officials, residents and council members reflecting on recovery and ongoing wildfire risk.
Retired Fire Chief Doug ("Chief Mack") recalled the community's response in 2000 and urged continued vigilance: "Cerro Grande can happen to us again," he said, noting the county's current extreme drought index and high fuel loads. Chief Mack praised the "heroism, compassion, [and] support" that helped the community recover.
Resident Sharon Stover recalled the evacuation, recovery and the role of local leaders and volunteers, and thanked the county's congressional delegation for federal recovery assistance. Acting Fire Chief Wendy Servi received the council proclamation on behalf of the department and said the fire service remains focused on home assessments, mitigation projects and home-hardening techniques to increase community resilience.
Councilor Habenman read a proclamation recognizing May 10, 2025, as the 25th anniversary of the Cerro Grande Fire and invited residents to contribute memories, photos, videos and audio to a county collection via an online submission form. The council also promoted a public viewing of materials on May 20 at 4:30 p.m. in Room 110 of the municipal building.
Speakers repeatedly emphasized that while the county has rebuilt and strengthened preparedness since 2000, wildfire remains a continuing threat that requires maintained mitigation, fuels reduction and community cooperation.
