Planning for the 4th of July in the Gila National Forest

Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 01 July 2022 01 July 2022

Please #RecreateResponsibly with No Fireworks!

Silver City, NM, July 1, 2022—Are you planning to visit the Gila National Forest on the Fourth of July holiday weekend? If so, be aware that the possession or use of fireworks or pyrotechnics of any kind—including the “safe and sane” variety of fireworks—is always prohibited in the Gila National Forest. This year-round prohibition will be strictly enforced throughout the holiday weekend. In addition, a few areas of the forest will be temporarily closed for public safety or other reasons. Visit Gila National Forest - Home (usda.gov) or call or stop by one of our offices, ranger stations, visitor centers, or information stations to learn more.

Additional Ways to Prevent Accidental Wildfires:

  • Although you may not be lighting fireworks, your neighbors may have different plans. Enjoy your Independence Day celebration and rest easy by hardening your home to embers and flames.
  • Don’t lose your house to a spark gone astray. Clean your gutters and roof to prepare your home for wildfire season and the Fourth of July.
  • Reduce the risk of ember ignitions to your house by preparing the five-foot zone around your structure.
  • Create defensible space in the 30-foot zone around your house, so you have a fighting chance to save it in the event of a wildfire.
  • Remember, fireworks are ALWAYS illegal on federal lands. Still, be sure to check for fire restrictions and closures before you plan to visit public lands to make sure your non-firework holiday plans are permitted.
  • Remember, if you are staying in town, many municipalities have fire restrictions that are not listed in the link above. Check with your local fire department or government agency for restrictions before building a campfire or lighting fireworks.
  • Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Check your local events calendar for a firework display that you can enjoy without contributing to wildfire risk in your area.

Due to the alarming rise in illegal campfires associated with dispersed camping across national forests in New Mexico, visitors are encouraged to report any signs of dispersed campfires to the nearest Forest Service office, ranger station, visitor center, or information center. To report a fire or other emergency, call 911.

 Campground Reminders:

  • If a forest campground is not listed on recreation.gov and is open, the campground is first-come, first-served. First come, first served campgrounds cannot be reserved.
  • Campground quiet hours are from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Please be respectful of others.
  • Campground checkout is at 11 a.m.

Pack it in, Pack it out! Please bring trash bags with you to the forest. Be prepared to take your trash home with you if needed. Trash cans/dumpsters will likely fill up this holiday weekend.

Know Before You Go! As always, please plan before visiting your national forests and recreate responsibly, including packing out your trash, using social distancing in crowded areas, and parking only in designated parking areas. Excellent tools and resources for a safe and fun visit to the forest are available on the Recreate Responsibly website and Know Before You Go.

COVID-19: Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the national forests to keep your family, friends, communities, and you safe.

Thank you! We appreciate your cooperation. Safety is in everyone’s best interest and helps protect the Gila National Forest for years to come, too.

 

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