Officials with the New Mexico State Forestry say they are already gearing up for the upcoming fire season.
With 70 percent of the state facing severe drought conditions, State Forestry says they are anticipating an aggressive fire season.
“We’ve had a lot of undergrowth, a lot of grass growth, a lot of all shrubs that we’re growing in the wild and then with the lack of precipitation this year, we are at a point where we are extremely dry,” explained Greg Hesch, NM State Forestry.
Hecsh says that growth, like twigs, shrub and grass is fuel for even the smallest of sparks. He says something like a dragging chain can easily create a fire.
What is extra concerning this year is the larger fuels, like logs that have had enough time to dry up.