Fire danger closing Cibola Nat'l Forest

TAJIQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The Forest Service announced Thursday it will close the Manzano and Gallinas Mountains in the Cibola National Forest as early as Monday because of unusually dry conditions.

The Lincoln National Forest was also shut down to all public use on Thursday because it's so dry.

All campgrounds, day-use picnic areas and trails in the Mountainair District in the Cibola National Forest will be closed until it receives sufficient precipitation. The Mountainair Ranger District could close as early as Monday and no later than Friday, May 20.

Rangers said they want to avoid a repeat of the devastation caused by three massive fires, including the Trigo, in the Manzanos three years ago. The Trigo Fire, which officials believe was started by hunters, burned 59 homes and scorched nearly 14,000 acres. The forest is still recovering from all the fires.

Still, hikers and campers who were looking forward to an outdoor escape this summer are disappointed.

"There's nothing much we can do but spend the weekends or holidays at home," said camper Mike McCook. "I'd rather be outside in the wilderness, but if it has to close, then it has to close."