Ed Downard News Today

Prescribed burns may return to the Gila National Forest in April or May under stricter checklists implemented after the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire in northern New Mexico last year, a Forest Service official said at a community meeting held Saturday in Pinos Altos. The community fire prevention meeting was conducted at the Pinos Altos Fire Department with forest officials, volunteer fire department leaders and those of the Natural Resources Conservation …

During the Grant County Commission’s special meeting Tuesday morning, a proclamation was issued “declaring extreme and severe drought conditions requiring bans and restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of Grant County.” The proclamation was made pursuant to the New Mexico Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act, which allows for specific bans of fireworks sales and usage, so long as the county has provided an opportunity …

At the Grant County commissioners’ regular meeting Thursday, officials recognized the bravery of 11-year-old Alicia Rodriguez, who alerted her friend’s parents of a fire that started in their home last month. Rodriguez was granted a good citizen award, presented to her by Sheriff Frank Gomez, Fire Management Officer Randy Villa and Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire Chief Ed Downard. “At the age of 11, Alicia demonstrated strategic thinking skills and decisive …