By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper
A soggy September just bought New Mexicans a rain check. The state forester lifted restrictions on campfires, smoking, fireworks and open burning Monday morning after late-season storms knocked down the wildfire threat.
State Forester Laura McCarthy’s order ends restrictions in place since April 6 on state and private land outside city limits. Federal, tribal and municipal lands set their own rules. New Mexico has logged 236% of its average rainfall since Sept. 1, according to the state Forestry Division.
“Late season precipitation has helped to alleviate wildfire spread,” McCarthy said.
The rain doesn’t wash away a rough year. Year-to-date precipitation remains far below average, and more than 1,700 wildfires have burned over 189,000 acres since Jan. 1. San Juan, Catron and Rio Arriba counties took the hardest hits.
Dry lightning pushed the share of human-caused fires down to 70% this year, from the typical 90%. The top human culprits were cutting and welding equipment, debris burning and hot ash.
The state can reinstate restrictions if conditions worsen. McCarthy urged caution during fall agricultural burns and at hunting camps. The Forestry Division recommends maintaining spark arresters, clearing a noncombustible work zone, burning debris only in favorable weather and drowning ashes until they’re completely cool.
Prevent the next wildfire:
Forestry Division fire prevention: emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/
Questions: Emery Veilleux, EMNRD communications, 505-699-1172, emery.veilleux@emnrd.nm.gov