Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
The Corral Fire on the Gila Wilderness is currently estimated at 17,029 acres and burning with low to moderate intensity. Recent operations have been working to keep the fire from crossing FR 150 and monitoring fire behavior. FR 150 remains open to motorists, though the Forest Service advises that motorists use caution and defer to instructions from the fire crews on the road.
The Straw Fire is 8,750 acres in size and also burning on the Gila Wilderness. The fire is about 2 miles east of the Gila Cliff Dwellings and is being monitored for multiple objectives. Minimal handline has been constructed to keep the fire west of the Cliff Dwellings and several trails have been cleared of downed trees to use as containment lines if needed.
The Round Fire on the Aldo Leopold Wilderness is 6,577 acres in size and 0% contained. The fire is being managed for multiple resource objectives and burning at low to moderate intensity. There are no area, road or trail closures related to the Round Fire at this time.
Due to area fires, air quality has been poor at varying times. The Forest Service reminds residents that smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and intensify chronic heart and lung problems. For information on air quality and protecting your health, and to find guidance on distances and visibility, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire. Air quality reports are posted on Inciweb.
The State of New Mexico has been rated as the 2nd most polite state to drive in according to a new national survey. The survey was conducted as part of the Kars for Kids Drive Human summer awareness campaign to promote better driving habits. Questions included how drivers handle following a slower car, using a turn signal, or allowing other cars to pass. Filling out the top three states for courteous drivers are Idaho and Oregon. The three worst states are listed as New York, South Carolina, and Arkansas.
