Recreate responsibly on Independence Day
Silver City, NM, June 30, 2025–Celebrating July 4 outdoors is a national tradition, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service welcomes visitors this Friday. But remember, fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands — every forest, every campsite, every day.
As forests expect a record number of visitors, remember — leave fireworks and sparkly displays to your city and other professional organizations. Nationally, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. So, with a bit of planning, you can enjoy the starry skies while being outdoors smart.
To ensure a safe, fun Independence Day:
Visit the Gila National Forest website for alerts on sites and trails.
Have backup destinations in mind, in case an area is temporarily closed or too crowded.
Recreate Responsibly. Gila National Forest has Stage 2 fire restrictions in effect. When you are out and about, it's a good idea to carry tools to extinguish a flame. Report a fire by calling 911.
Finally, Know Before You Go.
For forest happenings, follow the Gila National Forest on Facebook.
