New Mexico Forester Urges Fire Prevention

State Forester Butch Blazer, as part of National Fire Prevention Week, is urging New Mexicans to be prepared for the next fire season.

Blazer said last fall and winter in New Mexico proved that wildfire can happen any time. Between December 2007 and April 2008, more than 280 wildfires burned about 121,000 acres in New Mexico.

Blazer said forecasts are calling for drier than normal conditions across parts of New Mexico this winter, which will cure fine fuels and increase the risk for wildfire.

New Mexico State Forestry suggests that residents in rural areas make sure grasses on their property are kept short to help stop the spread of an oncoming grassfire. Also, residents should keep wood piles and debris away from structures.