ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) - Lincoln National Forest officials have elevated the fire danger rating to “very high” due to continued low moisture, drought, winds and warm weather in southern New Mexico.
They say the forest’s Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe districts all are experiencing conditions that warrant the higher rating.
It now will be displayed on all forest-wide fire danger rating signs.
The “very high” rating indicates that fires start easily from all causes, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity immediately after ignition.
Spot fires are a constant danger.
Fires burning in light fuels such as grass may quickly develop high intensity characteristics such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds when they burn into heavier fuels.
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