Southern New Mexico fire agencies join in regional fire response agreement

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — A historic collaboration in Doña Ana County aims to improve fire response and medical services for quicker and more efficient emergency services in the region.

The Automatic Mutual Aid Agreement was signed on Tuesday, Aug. 27 with the following agencies: Doña Ana County, the Cities of Sunland Park and Las Cruces, the White Sands/NASA Test Facility and the Town of Mesilla, according to a news release by Doña Ana County.

The agreement was signed to help with public safety and emergency preparedness across jurisdictions to provide aid as quickly and effectively as possible.

According to Doña Ana County, the agreement highlighted the following guidelines:

• Enhanced Response Times: Immediate dispatch of the closest available fire resources, reducting response times, potentially saving lives and limiting damages.
• Resource Sharing: Access to specialized equipment and trained personnel across all participating entities, enhancing each department’s operational effectiveness.
• Improved Coordination: Streamlined communication and operational procedures between fire departments, ensuring a cohesive and efficient response to emergencies.

According to Doña Ana County, when a building fire happens in any jurisdiction, the closest available agency’s resources will be dispatched automatically. The same goes for emergencies such as other fire responses, medical attention and mass casualty incidents.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.