Some closures lifted following Whitewater-Baldy fire
Posted at: 08/31/2012 8:16 AM
By: The Associated Press
SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) - State and federal officials have lifted some of the closure orders that were put in place while a massive wildfire burned through parts of the Gila National Forest earlier this year.
The Whitewater-Baldy Fire charred more than 465 square miles to become the largest fire in New Mexico's recorded history.
It burned for several weeks after being sparked by lightning.
Rehabilitation of some burned areas is wrapping up. Still, forest officials say some trails will remain closed until assessments can be done.
Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell says the area is dealing with the effects of summer rains and officials are concerned about the stability of the trail beds.
Standing dead trees are also a concern. Forest officials say an assessment of trails impacted by fallen trees will be completed next spring.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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