SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Land managers are warning that fire danger levels are high across parts of New Mexico thanks to dry conditions and gusty winds. State Forestry spokesman Dan Ware says the potential for fire is especially high in eastern and southeastern New Mexico, where the lack of moisture is drying out fine, grassy fuels. State Forestry officials are warning residents and visitors to use caution.
Ware says that since the beginning of the year, the agency has already seen a couple of potentially destructive fires along the Middle Rio Grande Valley and near Silver City.
Abundant seasonal rainfall during last year's monsoon season caused the rapid growth of grass and brush. The problem is that vegetation is drying out and more susceptible to fire due to the lack of winter moisture.
