After a spring and summer last year with relatively few wildfires, authorities are warning that the conditions this year could make for a difficult and dangerous fire season.

“New Mexico is experiencing below-normal precipitation, wind, seasonally higher-than-normal temperatures and an abundance of fine fuels,” said State Forester Donald Griego. “This makes wildland areas across the state increasingly vulnerable to severe wildfire conditions.”

The latest map of New Mexico shows severe to extreme drought conditions covering 80 percent of the state. There are 746 communities in the state that have been identified as “at risk” from wildfire as part of the New Mexico Fire Plan, including several in Doña Ana County.

There have already been 140 fires this year, impacting nearly 50 square miles in New Mexico – nearly as much as all of last year. There have been 80 fires in March alone, state forestry officials have said. And, most of those were started by people.

In an effort to alert residents to the danger and try to prevent human-caused fires, Gov. Susana Martinez has declared this week, March 25-31, as New Mexico Wildfire Awareness Week.

Those planning to spend time camping this spring and summer are advised to call the state Fire Restriction Hotline at 1-877-864-6985 or log on to FireRestrictions.us to find our about conditions and fire restriction before heading out.

When camping in established campgrounds, always use approved fire pits and grills. Never leave a campfire unattended, and be sure that it is completely out and cold to the touch before leaving.

Also, avoid parking in tall grass or shrubs where catalytic converters can spark a fire. Never toss a lit cigarette out of a car, and abide by smoking restrictions when in the forest. The use of fireworks is always prohibited on public lands, and is especially dangerous given current conditions.

Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher warned that smoke from wildfires can present a health hazard to people far away from the actual blaze.

“Smoke can not only hurt your eyes, but can also irritate your respiratory system, and aggravate chronic heart and lung problems,” she said. “People with heart or lung disease, adults over age 65, young children, and pregnant women should minimize outdoor activities during times when the visibility is about five miles or less.”

She advised that healthcare facilities, schools businesses and other places where people gather take steps to become clean air shelters.

Experts warn that, given the conditions this year, it is not a matter of if we will have wildfires, but rather when, how many and how severe. And, as is the case every year, firefighters will be working tirelessly, putting their own lives at risk, to save property, forest land and lives. In 2013, 19 firefighters were killed battling a blaze in Yarnell, Arizona.

Some of the fires are caused by lightning, but most are caused by carelessness. This will be a year when extreme caution and strict adherence to the rules will be absolutely necessary.

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