SFNF News:

EL RITO — Each year the El Rito Ranger District hosts thousands of visitors between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Unfortunately, a small number of these visitors behave badly and cause big problems for the forest. Fire prevention patrols in the forest find abandoned or unattended campfires almost every day.

Abandoned campfires are the leading human cause of wildfire. Every large wildfire begins as a small fire. In 2011 the Wallow wildfire in Arizona burned 522,000+ acres. One small campfire left unattended burned an area 28 miles by 28 miles.

June is high fire season at the El Rito Ranger District and in the southwestern US. Fire behavior at this time is generally high to extreme. Fire resources are committed and fully engaged. Threats to life and property in fire prone areas are high.

When it’s time to put out your fire, dump lots of water on it, stir it with a shovel then dump more water on it. Make sure it’s COLD before leaving the campsite. If it’s too hot to touch then it’s too hot to leave.

If you see an unattended campfire please report it. Don’t ignore it. Fire defense is self-defense. You are our eyes and ears.

To report smoke or fire on the El Rito Ranger District, call 911 immediately or the district office directly at 575.581.4554.