THERE WAS ABUNDANT MOISTURE ACROSS MUCH OF NEW MEXICO OVER THE WINTER, BUT SOME PARTS OF THE STATE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING DROUGHT CONDITIONS…INCREASING THE FIRE DANGER. WENDY MASON WITH THE STATE FORESTRY DIVISION SAYS FIRE SEASON USUALLY BEGINS IN SOUTHERN AND EASTERN NEW MEXICO. SHE SAYS THE HIGH WINDS CAUSE FINE GRASSES AND BRUSH TO DRY OUT QUICKLY, AND JUST ONE SPARK CAN CAUSE A WILD FIRE TO FLARE UP QUICKLY.
THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN MORE THAN 70-WILDFIRES ON STATE AND PRIVATE LAND IN NEW MEXICO THIS YEAR. A FIRE IN PORTALES LAST WEEK DESTROYED FOUR HOMES, AND BURNED AROUND 18-HUNDRED ACRES.
