EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The New Mexico state forester announced that fire restrictions are ending Friday, Sept. 5 across more than a dozen counties in New Mexico.
Fire restrictions were rescinded for the following counties: Catron, Chaves, Cibola, De Baca, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Roosevelt, Sierra, Socorro, Torrence, and Valencia.
The rescission comes in response to recent wet weather which has reduced the wildfire threat in these areas, the State Forestry Division said in a news release.
“Precipitation throughout the monsoon season has helped mitigate drought conditions,” said State Forester Laura McCarthy. “However, the public should continue to take steps to prevent human-caused wildfires.”
Humans account for 80% of wildfire starts in the state, according to the State Forestry Division.
The top three ways humans cause wildfires in New Mexico include debris and open burning, campfires and outdoor recreation, and equipment use, including working outside with welding or cutting tools.
To help prevent these fire starts, always carry extra water when camping to extinguish campfires; maintain spark arresters on mechanical tools when working outside; keep tow chains tight to avoid dragging on concrete and avoid parking over tall grasses along the side of the road.
More information is available on the Forestry Division’s Fire Prevention webpage.
More than 900 wildfires have burned over 197,000 acres across New Mexico this year. Catron, San Juan, and Rio Arriba counties are among the areas that have experienced the most starts.
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