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Prescription Burns in Quemado RD (Gila National Forest) postponed until further notice

The Quemado Ranger District on the Gila National Forest is planning to start prescribed fire operations this winter, continuing through the winter as weather conditions allow and pending all required approvals. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. Prescribed fires planned for […]

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Map showing area between Lake Roberts and Mimbres where the Cooney pile burns will take place

Gila National Forest to begin prescribed fires near Mimbres

The Wilderness Ranger District on the Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations beginning Dec. 14 and continuing through the month of December, pending all required approvals and as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. Prescribed fires […]

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Prepared at Home: Spark Safety Not Wildfire

Are you prepared for a power outage during wildfire season? Whether an unexpected outage occurs from a wildfire or is a temporary action by your utility company to prevent wildfires, you may be impacted. Consider that an outage can impact lighting, heating, cooling, communication, food and medicine refrigeration, cooking and medical equipment. The American Red […]

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Prepared Camper: Spark Safety Not Wildfire

Concerned with winds picking up on your trip? Skip the campfire, use a propane fire ring instead! Just like with a campfire, place in cleared area, keep it maintained, and never leave it running unattended! The best part is you can just turn it off. Campfire Safety The prepared camper’s checklist:

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Campfire Safety: Spark Safety Not Wildfire

Campfires and outdoor recreation are the 2nd largest category of wildfires caused by people in the southwest. Buried embers can smolder for days. Always drown, stir, feel for heat, and repeat until cold. #sparksafetynotwildfire

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Burn Barrel Safety: Spark Safety Not Wildfires

Thinking about using a burn barrel? Clear 10 feet to mineral soil around the barrel. Make sure it’s properly ventilated and has a 1/8” screen cover to prevent ember escape. Check for holes that would allow embers to escape and screen those areas also or replace the barrel. Always keep water and tools nearby! Spark […]

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Burn Debris Safely: Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week

Did you know? Debris and open burning are the top cause of human-caused fires in the Southwest. Backyard debris burning video from Smokey Bear and the Ad Council. Stay safe and protect your property while burning debris by following these six tips:

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Join Us! SW Wildfire Awareness Week, March 24-29, 2025

Today kicks off the Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week. This year’s theme is “Spark Safety Not Wildfires,” focused on the three top causes of wildfires in New Mexico: 1)Debris and Open Burning, 2)Campfires, and 3)Equipment/vehicles. Recognizing that conditions in the West remain warm and dry, residents have an opportunity to take proactive steps. From the desert […]

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Wildfire smoke from the Indio Fire over rock bluffs, blue sky in the background and green trees in the foreground.

Indios Fire Update, May 23, 2024

Acres: 851                                                                    Start Date: 5/19/2024 Location: 7 miles north of the village of Coyote, N.M.     Personnel: 127 Containment: 0%                                                          Fuels: Timber, litter, understory Resources: 3 crews | 1 helicopter | 5 engines| 1 road grader | 2 masticators Highlights: The Northern New Mexico Type 3 team, Incident Commander Luke McLarty, assumed command of the […]

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Spring is a time for action: SW Wildfire Awareness Week is coming

With the weather warming, the start of spring winds, and Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week at the end of the month, now is the time for residents of the southwest to take proactive steps against destructive wildfire. From the desert to the bosque to the mountains, individuals and communities shouldn’t feel helpless; they can learn how […]

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Wilderness Ranger District continues prescribed burning this week – Projects along New Mexico Highway 35 will reduce hazardous fuels near private lands

May 3, 2023 – The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District continues burning this week on the 165-acre Heifer Prescribed Fire project – located adjacent to Gattons Park, and the 1000-acre Gravel Prescribed Fire unit located off the Lincoln Canyon Road (USFS Road 4079-T). The project areas will be signed and posted for public awareness during prescribed fire activities.

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Prevent Equipment Ignitions: SW Wildfire Awareness Week

At home or work, maintain spark arresters on chainsaws, generators, and other small equipment. One less spark, one less wildfire! (NMfireinfo.com) #PreventWildfires #NMFire #SouthwestWildfireAwarenessWeek

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Prevent Vehicle Ignitions: SW Wildfire Awareness Week

Is your vehicle road-worthy? Prevent wildfires by performing a pre-trip vehicle check. Ensure optimal tire pressure & secure tow chains, so they won’t drag. One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire. Learn more at https://goo.gl/kCkMQH #OneLessSparkNM #SouthwestWildfireAwarenessWeek

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Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round: Remove Dead Plants and Debris from Property

As fall approaches and cooler temperatures set in, wildfire season can seem like a distant concern. However, this is a great time to begin preparations for the next fire season and clean up around your home. The 2022 Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round campaign provides monthly wildfire preparedness tasks that follow the changing seasons. The October […]

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Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round: Skip the Fireworks to Support Firefighters

Fireworks are a popular Fourth of July tradition. Over the years, many of us have personally experienced close calls and disasters related to firework-ignited fires – a stray ember on a rooftop, burnt grass, smoldering casings and other potential ignition sources. With an early start to the 2022 wildfire season, your NM wildfire cooperators and […]

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Peppin Canyon Fire Update: 6/12/22, 11am

Jurisdiction: Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District Size: 2.5 acres Cause: Lightning Date/Time Detected: June 11, 2022, 3:00 pm Location: North side of the Capitan Wilderness.Map of the fire’s location: https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/#/%3F/%3F/33.5984/-105.3212/12 Firefighting Resources: 1 wildland fire module, 1 engine, 1 repel crew, 2 helicopters. Fuel Type: The fire is in a burn scar and is consuming […]

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Bear Trap Fire update for May 29, 2022

Acres: 38,225 acres             Containment: 75% Cause: Undetermined Total Personnel: 357          Start Date: May 1, 2022 Location: San Mateo Mountains, Magdalena Ranger District, Socorro County, NM Fuels: Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and Grass Highlights: Fire lines were tested by high winds Saturday and held up well as more than three-quarters of the fire now is considered contained. Crews […]

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