Farmington to Send Real Time Alerts to Drivers, Begins Fire Restrictions

Farmington officials announced on December 29 that the city will begin enforcing new fire restrictions in coordination with the New Mexico State Forestry Division and will deploy HAAS Alert Safety Cloud to deliver advance warnings to motorists. The Safety Cloud system will send real time alerts to drivers when emergency vehicles are approaching or working at a scene, with the rollout scheduled to begin in January 2026.

The city said the alerts will reach drivers through major navigation applications and integrated vehicle dashboards, reducing the risk of collisions around emergency scenes. “Safety Cloud reaches millions of drivers through leading navigation apps and vehicle brands including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM and Volkswagen,” the statement said. Dashboard alerts appear in 2018 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM models, and in 2024 and newer Volkswagens. The system requires no action from drivers beyond using their existing navigation apps.

Deputy Chief Tom Miller framed the technology as a practical supplement to legal protections already on the books. “This technology bridges the gap between what the law requires and what actually happens on the road,” he said. He added that combining the alerts with public awareness will be key to success. “By combining this technology with public awareness, we are creating safer roads for everyone.”

The move also ties into New Mexico move over rules. Statute 66 7 332 2024 requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching certain emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road. Officials noted that flashing lights and sirens do not always provide sufficient notice in high speed or low visibility conditions, and that alerts through navigation apps can give drivers extra time to respond.

Farmington will join more than 4,000 agencies nationwide already using Safety Cloud, officials said, as the department seeks to lower collision risks near emergency scenes and protect personnel and residents. For local drivers, the change means increased warnings when approaching fire scenes and an expectation to slow down and yield space as required by state law.