Silver City, NM ' In the past few weeks the National Weather Service has issued several Red Flag Warnings for the southwestern New Mexico for strong winds and low humidity and we have had several small human-caused fires.

Spring is here and visitation is beginning to increase on the forest. Gila National Forest officials remind visitors to always practice fire safety. "Fire safety is everyone's responsibility," said Gabe Holguin, Gila NF Fire Management Officer. He added, "Please be extremely cautious with any activity that may cause a wildfire."

Please follow these campfire 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.
• Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
• Never leave your campfire unattended.
• Avoid making a campfire during the windy part of the day.
• To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it's out cold.

Every campfire will be put DEAD OUT before leaving it.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GilaNForest/ or follow us on Twitter @GilaNForest.