Silver City, NM, March 29, 2017'For Immediate Release'The Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District personnel will be opening five campgrounds for the season on Monday, April 3. The campgrounds are:

-+ Iron Creek Campground, located in the Black Range Mountains off NM State Highway 152

-+ Upper Gallinas Campground, located in the Black Range Mountains off NM State Highway 152

-+ Railroad Canyon Campground, located in the Black Range Mountains off NM State Highway 152

-+ Cherry Creek Campground, located off NM State Highway 15

-+ McMillan Campground, located off NM State Highway 15

Gila National Forest officials remind visitors that weather and conditions can change suddenly in the high country and to be aware of potential hazards in campgrounds and on forest roads.

Always practice these campfire safety guidelines:

-+ Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions

-+ Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out

-+ Never leave your campfire unattended

-+ Do not make a campfire during the windy part of the day

-+ Drown your campfire with water, stir with dirt making sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel it with your hand to make sure it's out cold

-+ Every campfire will be put DEAD OUT before leaving it