Prevent wildfires over the long weekend – conditions are extremely dry
SILVER CITY, NM, Jan. 14, 2025 – All offices of the Gila National Forest will be closed next Monday, January 20, in observance of the federal holiday celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Dr. King was a passionate advocate for the application of nonviolent protest to end racial segregation in the United States. He was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, before his assassination in 1968. Celebrated for the first time in January 1986, the federal holiday in his honor recognizes these positive influences on American society.
If you are out on the Gila enjoying the long weekend, remember that conditions are extremely dry and fire danger is high. A series of roadside wildfires ignited recently along U.S. Highway 180 on the Glenwood Ranger District due to chains dragging behind a vehicle. Observe these measures to reduce your risk:
Take care to stow chains and equipment properly to avoid their contact with the road surface.
Avoid parking your hot exhaust system over tall grasses or other vegetation that may ignite.
Keep exhaust systems and spark arrestors in good working order to prevent ejecting sparks or hot debris.
Best practices call for keeping water and a shovel handy, along with a fire extinguisher when cutting firewood.
If you use a campfire, you must fully extinguish it before you leave. Douse the fire with plenty of water and use a shovel to stir it into the coals. Use the back of your hand to feel for heat and repeat this process until coals are cool to the touch.
For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or
