Wildfire season could be as bad as last year

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Fire officials say this year's wildfire season could be just as bad as last year, which was one of the most intense fire seasons New Mexico has ever seen.

Firefighters went nonstop last year, working day and night to contain various wildfires around the state and are training now to do the same in 2012 as they are preparing for a dry and windy spring.

At a recent press conference, Bernalillo County Fire Chief John Garcia warned of the fire danger in the Sandia Mountains and county officials talked about how they are preparing for a difficult fire season this year, saying now is the time to get ready.

"When you consider last year was probably the worst fire season we've had in years and years, we think this year really could be on the same level," said New Mexico State Forestry Spokesperson Dan Ware.

Fire officials are planning to advertise to get the publics attention. They also plan to hold public meetings and train firefighters in Ruidoso.

"We will have hundreds of firefighters, not from New Mexico, but from all around the United States attending," said Ware.

Before fire season comes, the State Forestry Division recommends joining fire prevention programs around the state to learn how to protect your home and family.

More than a thousand fires broke out across the state last year, with more than 967,000 acres burned. Over 80 percent of those were human caused.