Dry weather means increased fire dangers

Caution urged when extinguishing campfires

The Santa Fe National Forest is reminding those enjoying the outdoors to make sure to properly extinguish any campfires.

The 2021 wildfire season is approaching and the SFNF is experiencing severe drought conditions and high fire danger.

Over Mother’s Day weekend, fire prevention patrols in the Jemez Ranger District found 18 abandoned campfires.

The Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District found an estimated 10 abandoned campfires reported over the last 10 days.

Most of the abandoned campfires — the leading human cause of wildfire — were found at dispersed campsites.

The Jemez patrols are also reporting several of the campfires found were not still-smoldering ash, but actually flaming, burning logs which no one had even attempted to extinguish.

With hotter, drier conditions forecasted, and fire indices rising, the Northern New Mexico forests are discussing implementing fire restrictions before the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the summer season.

If you plan to gather around a campfire, please do it safely by following Smokey Bear’s campfire safety procedures found at smokeybear.com/ en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety.

If you need a visual, watch the Forest Service video “How To Start and Put Out a Campfire” on YouTube at youtube.com/ watch?v=9mlsuIQ96oo&t=10s.

Build your campfire in an area cleared of vegetation. Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended. Always have plenty of water and a shovel nearby. When it’s time to leave, extinguish your campfire by drowning and stirring until it’s the consistency of a mud pie and cold to the touch.