Punky Moore News Today

Over 80,000 acres of Gila National Forest land has burned so far this year due to wildfires. Take a look at the status of the wilderness area so far this summer.

Wildfire preparation and prevention work being done year-round Share Updated: 7:51 AM MDT Apr 28, 2021 Share Updated: 7:51 AM MDT Apr 28, 2021 Hide Transcript Show Transcript >> SINCE JANUARY 1, UNTIL TODAY, THERE HAVE BEEN 153 WILDLAND FIRES IN NEW MEXICO ALONG. AND TO PREVENT THOSE OF FIRES FROM HAPPENING, WORK HAS TO BE DONE ALL YEAR LONG. >> THE KEY IS TO BE MORE CAREFUL THAN EVER THIS YEAR WITH ANYTHING THAT CAN START A FIRE. >> THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR...

(Press File Photo by Geoffrey Plant) Forest Service personnel light the Elks Pasture prescribed burn in June 2019 in the Gila National Forest. If passed, a bill making its way through the state Legislature would enable landowners to conduct more prescribed burns on private property. “We need to use fire where we can to manage our resources and help protect communities,” said Punky Moore, fire communications specialist for the Southwestern Region of the Forest Service. “Proper coordination...