Gila National Forest lifts fire restrictions

Silver City, NM, July 20, 2026) — Due to recent precipitation and cooler temperatures, the Gila National Forest has rescinded fire restrictions as of 8 a.m. on July 20, 2026 and reduced the fire danger level of the forest to “Moderate.”

Fire restrictions are implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions. Weather forecasts indicate continued precipitation throughout much of the forest over the coming weeks. The added moisture should improve fire danger conditions across the forest, reduce the risk of severe fire behavior, and lessen the likelihood of human-caused wildfires.

Although wildfire risk is reduced and the forest is no longer under fire restrictions, please continue to do your part to prevent wildfires.

Reminders:

• Avoid building campfires if weather conditions are dry, hot, or windy.
• It is illegal to leave a campfire unattended. If you have a campfire, fully extinguish it before leaving. Use plenty of water to drown the coals, stir the water and coals together, and use the back of your hand to ensure all heat sources have been extinguished. Gila National Forest visitors are encouraged to report all abandoned campfires to the local district office, or to the dispatch center at 575-538-5371.
• Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest lands.
• Be careful with cigarettes: extinguish and dispose of them properly.
• Refrain from parking hot vehicles over tall vegetation, which can cause spot fires.
• Do not drag chains behind vehicles as the sparks generated are a fire hazard.

For more fire prevention tips, visit the Gila National Forest website’s fire prevention page.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.