Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Gila National Forest as of May 21, 2013

Gila National Forest Heads into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

May 15, 2013- Silver City, NM- The Gila National Forest will be implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning on May 21, 2013. “Forest visitorshave been diligent in putting out their campfires and taking care not to spark a human-caused fire,” states Kelly Russell, Forest Supervisor, “but we feel it’s critical to reduce the potential for any additional fire starts during this period of drought and high fire danger.”

Fire restrictions for the Gila National Forest include allowing campfires only in designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and must be in a Forest Service provided grill or fire pit. Fires in rock rings will not be allowed. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are acceptable, provided they meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety. Smoking is limited to a vehicle, building, or 3-foot area cleared of all flammable materials. The following campgrounds and picnic areas have been designated for campfire use:

Kingston Campground                                           Juniper Campground

Piñon Campground                                                El Caso Campground

Big Horn Campground                                          Cottonwood Campground

Pueblo Park Campground                                      Grapevine Campground

Lower Scorpion Campground                               Forks Campground

Upper Scorpion Campground                                Sapillo Campground

Upper End Campground                                        Mesa Campground

Lake Roberts Picnic Area                                      Apache Creek Campground

Little Walnut Picnic Areas                                    Cherry Creek Campground

McMillan Campground                                         Iron Creek Campground

Upper Gallinas Campground                                  Lower Gallinas Campground

Railroad Canyon Campground                           Catwalk National Recreation Area (correction added 05/17/13 per USFS)

Forest personnel strongly encourage extreme care when traveling in the National Forests. As always, fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands. Please contact Ellen Brown, Fire Prevention Officer at (575)388-8201 or individual districts between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. for further details regarding campgrounds and fire restrictions.

Black Range Ranger District-(575) 894-6677 Reserve Ranger District-(575)533-6232

Glenwood Ranger District-(575) 539-2481 Quemado Ranger District-(575)733-4678

Wilderness Ranger District- (575) 536-2250 Silver City Ranger District-(575)388-8201

###

Ellen C. Brown

Fire Prevention and Mitigation

Fire and Aviation Management

R3, Gila National Forest

575.388.8262