Drown flames, coals, or ashes with water, stir it in, feel for heat

SILVER CITY, NM, June 28, 2023 – The Gila National Forest reports that human-caused wildfires are well below average so far this year. Since May 1, 2023, seven human-caused fires on the Gila National Forest have burned about 25 acres, compared to 15 human-caused fires that consumed more than 1,500 acres, not including the Black Fire, during that same period last year. This good news is no reason to let down your guard.

Over the past few weekends, patrols have found more than a dozen abandoned campfires that don't count toward this year's seven human-caused fires, unless they escaped their fire ring. Fire prevention patrols routinely inspect fire rings in vacant campsites, looking and feeling for heat. They often find fire rings full of fluffy, white ash that is still hot. These are abandoned campfires.

"Extinguished means cold to the touch with your bare hand," said Gila National Forest Fire Management Officer Gabe Holguin. "Even if there are no flames, a firepit full of coals or ash can easily be brought back to life and spread by wind. If you leave a hot fire unattended, you are taking the risk of causing a wildfire."

Making the decision to light a campfire is making a commitment to stay close by and watch the fire at all times. If you intend to head out for a hike, or go to sleep for the night, or otherwise leave, you must fully extinguish your campfire beforehand by drowning it with water, stirring it in, and feeling for heat. When the coals are cool to the touch with your bare hand, the fire is out.

Fire danger is on the rise, with increasingly hot and continued dry weather. Windy days bring even greater concern. We are evaluating the need to implement fire restrictions on the Gila National Forest. Before you head out to public lands check for fire restrictions that may be in place. Stay informed during your visit by reading signs and posters. Consider current conditions before you light, whether it is safe to light a fire, and whether you are prepared to stay with it or fully extinguish it. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.