NM warns of fire danger with start of summer
Posted at: 05/23/2012 10:47 AM
By: The Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Officials with the New Mexico State Forestry Division say fire danger around the state remains high.
They're asking residents and visitors to be careful as the unofficial start to the summer vacation season gets under way with the Memorial Day weekend.
State Forestry spokesman Dan Ware says it's extremely dry in many areas and it only takes one careless mistake for a fire to endanger lives and communities.
So far this year, nearly 170 fires have scorched closed to 5,800 acres of state and private land around New Mexico.
The high fire danger stems from strong winds, warm temperatures, prolonged drought and heavy fuel loads. Ware says fire danger is higher along the Middle Rio Grande Valley and the western third of the state.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
 |
Tweet |
|
