Scout ranch closes backcountry activities due to fire threat

The Associated Press
July 05, 2018 03:22 PM

CIMARRON, N.M. (AP) - A Boy Scouts ranch in northern New Mexico is closing its summer backcountry season due to continued threat from extreme wildfire conditions in the region.
    
Philmont Scout Ranch's announcement Thursday says the closure of backcountry activities such as camping, hiking and climbing was forced by a lightning-caused wildfire that closed activity areas used since a previous fire burned part of the ranch.
    
The mountainous ranch covers 219 square miles (567 sq. kilometers) and includes hundreds of miles of trails and dozens of camps.
    
Philmont says its backcountry will be closed the rest of the summer but the headquarters, base camp, museum and training center courses aren't affected.
    
A fire that started May 31 burned 57 square miles (148 sq. kilometers), including 41 square miles  (106 sq. kilometers) on the ranch.