PSA: Help Prevent Wildfires on the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands
Albuquerque, NM. May 23, 2012. Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer recreation season. Each year, thousands of people enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, picnicking, OHV driving, when they visit the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands. “We want everyone who comes to the Cibola to enjoy themselves, but we have extremely dry conditions and we need their help to prevent wildfires,” said Susan Millsap, Acting Forest Supervisor.
Currently, none of the Cibola’s six districts have fire restrictions, but hot, windy weather and dry storms are predicted over the next week, which will increase the risk for significant fire activity. “If these conditions persist, then some of our districts may go into fire restrictions in the near future,” said Millsap.
The Southwestern Region is currently at Preparedness Level 3, which means that there are large fires in the region and fire behavior is escalating and of concern to multiple agencies and fire managers.
Most wildfires are human-caused and are started from untended campfires, smoldering cigarettes and sparks from engines. To help prevent wildfires, please:
- Check Fire Restrictions. Before you go, call the Ranger District or the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Supervisor’s Office to find out if there are any restrictions in place. Current fire restrictions can be found on the Cibola’s website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola/
- Never use Fireworks. All fireworks, including sparklers, are not allowed on National Forests. A small spark at the wrong time could cause a devastating wildfire.
- Make sure campfires are dead out. Extinguish your fire or barbecue one hour before you leave the area. Use lots of water and douse it until you see water floating on the wood/coals and the fire ash is cold to touch. Partially extinguished fires can be fanned by evening winds and re-kindle fires that may take off the next day. Be careful!
Web sites and phone numbers:
- Southwest Coordination Center: http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/
- National Interagency Fire Center: www.nifc.gov
- National Incident Information Center: www.fs.fed.us/news/fire
- FireWise: www.firewise.org
- Regional Fire Restrictions Hotline: 1.877.864.6985
Ruth Sutton, Public Affairs Officer
Cibola National Forest & Grasslands
2113 Osuna NE; Albuquerque, NM 87113
Phone: 505.346.3894
Cell: 505.331.3075