An expected wetter-than-normal spring and possible more active summer monsoons have some fire managers hoping for a calm fire season in New Mexico this year.
The Albuquerque Journal report the predictions of less wind than usual also have fire managers hopeful that the state can avoid large wildfires but they say those conditions can change rapidly.
Last year's monsoons and some moisture late this winter resulted in more grasses than have been seen in New Mexico since 2009. That has some fire planners expecting fewer mountain forest fires but more lowland grass fires.
Already this year, more than 150 fires have burned about 10,000 acres of state-owned and private land. Three weeks ago, a fire in the Gila National Forest burned 25 acres six miles north of Mimbres.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal.
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