Mountainair Ranger District Opening Roads This Week

Mountainair, NM, March 22, 2011: The Mountainair Ranger District will be reopening various roads that have been under winter closures. The roads to be opened include FR 275, FR 422, FR 253 and FR 245 up to New Canyon Campground. Roads to remain closed include FR 321 and FR 245 from New Canyon Campground to Capilla Peak. The road leading to Comanche trailhead on the West side of the Manzano Mountains also remains under a private closure until easement issues can be finalized.

Mountainair Ranger District fire personnel would like to remind everyone that conditions throughout the district remain dry. Fire Danger is currently listed as HIGH trending toward VERY HIGH. There are currently no restrictions in place but everyone is reminded to take extra precautions and follow some basic fire safety rules:

• 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.
• If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. Remember: Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

For road closure information or for any other issues, please contact the
Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.

Thanks - Arlene
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Website: http://fs.usda.gov/cibola

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Arlene T. Perea

Recreation Tech.

Mountainair Ranger District

P.O. Box 69

Mountainair, NM 87036

(O) 505-847-2990

(F) 505-847-2238

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