Send Gov. Urges Fire Cautions on Holiday Weekend

Posted: 9:03 AM May 26, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

Gov. Susana Martinez is urging New Mexicans to use common sense this holiday weekend to avoid sparking new wildfires.

A massive blaze is raging in the Gila National Forest, but the number of fires on state and private land is down from last year.

Martinez and other state officials on Friday reminded New Mexicans to exercise caution with camp fires, and never walk away from a fire that's smoldering. Motorists should pull over only on developed areas along roads rather than in grass, which can catch fire from a vehicle's exhaust system.

A lightning-caused fire in the Gila has burned more than 130 square miles, and officials say it could continue burning for weeks. Fire officials have been unable to make progress containing the blaze because of heavy winds.

In Southern California, firefighters are working to corral a wildfire that has chewed through 2,500 acres of tinder-dry grass and light brush east of Julian.

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