The fire danger on the Santa Fe National Forest is currently MODERATE. During times of moderate fire danger, fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low.

Please be fire safe and use caution when using chainsaws; don’t drive off-road on heavily grassed areas because your vehicle’s exhaust system could spark a fire; don’t toss your cigarettes; be careful with gas lanterns, barbeques, gas stoves and anything that could be a source of ignition for a wildfire; and finally don’t leave your campfire unattended or abandoned. Here are some important things to consider when building and putting out your campfire:

• Make sure that you can have a campfire—obey and cooperate with all fire bans, restrictions and closures;

• If campfires are allowed, use an existing fire ring or clear a campfire site down to bare soil;

• Build a ring out of rocks. Keep the fire under four feet in diameter with no less than a ten foot clearance around it;

• Build the fire away from overhanging branches, steep slopes and dry grass;

• Keep a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire;

• When putting a campfire out, drown it with water, stir the fire with dirt and more water until all the fuel is cold to the touch. Never leave a fire until it is out cold.

DO YOUR PART, DON'T LET A WILDFIRE START!