Silver City, NM, March 20, 2018—For Immediate Release. Spring has arrived and visitation is beginning to increase on the forest. The weather in southwestern New Mexico has been quite varied, with high winds, minimal moisture and increasing high temperatures.. Gila National Forest officials remind visitors to always practice campfire 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."
Follow these guidelines and you will keep your forest and public lands safer:
- Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five (5) 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 and put it out at night
- 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. Put your hand in the ashes to make sure it's cold. If it's too hot to touch it needs more water and more stirring.
Every campfire should be put DEAD OUT before leaving it. Remember, Smokey says "Only you can prevent wildfires" For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila