Dry spells since March has prompted officials to take precautions and restrict the use of campfires at Gila National Forest until there is substantial rainfall.

The Gila in southwest New Mexico is a cauldron of colliding ecosystems: the Chihuahuan Desert, the Sonoran Desert, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the Mexican Plateau, the Great Basin, and Mexico’s Sierra Madre all converge here.

The mountains make up a major component of the Gila National Forest. Most are accessible only by horse or foot, with the heart protected by the 202,000-acre Aldo Leopold Wilderness.

Although campfire restrictions are becoming more common these days, camping just doesn’t feel like camping without campfire gatherings. It is often the most memorable part of a camping trip. The restriction is a preventive measure against forest fires.

Stage-one fire restrictions has been implemented by the forest service. The official order says it is prohibited to build, maintain, attend or use a fire, campfire or stove fire. Smoking will be allowed only in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Some exemptions include the use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices that meet Fire Underwriters specifications for safety, having campfires within a pre-constructed Forest Service fireplace within designated campgrounds and picnic areas, and federal, state, or local officers, or members of organized rescue or firefighting forces while performing official duties.

No fires are allowed in any campground on the Black Range Ranger District.

Some rain has fallen in the area in the past few days, but forest officials say it is not enough to lift the fire restrictions.

“It is still very dry,” Ward said. “It (rain) has been scattered and very light. We are starting to see some thunderstorm action, but we just haven’t had any major moisture since March.”

There are many developed campgrounds and recreation sites that do not require reservations in the Gila National Forest. For a complete list and locations, call (575) 388-8201.

“People also need to be very careful where they park their vehicles,” said Loretta Benevidez, fire information officer. “If they park over tall dry grass, there is a very good chance there could be an ignition. Also, with ATVs and chainsaws, they need to make sure that all their spark arresting devices are in place and working properly.”

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Anyone could get lost on a hiking trail especially when the parts of the trail is masked by blown-down trees and fire. It happened to two experienced hikers on the Kekekabic Trail and the lack of trail markings were to blame for the incident.

Dozens of rescuers and volunteers joined the search including 4 aircrafts. In the end the hikers were found safe, but this is not the first time anyone got lost on the Kekekabic Trail. In 1970, a skier lost his way and died of hypothermia.

Following the latter incident the Forest Service marked the Kekekabic by tacking small, blue diamond-shaped signs to trees but nearly all the signs are gone now, and Forest Service officials have been reluctant to replace them.

Hiking clubs have renewed their appeal to the Superior National Forest officials to make the Kekekabic trail easier to follow.

The problem is, rules governing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness prohibit signs and many other man-made objects.

However, Forest Service officials acknowledges the fact that the overgrown condition of Kekekabic presents a public safety issue and are willing to discuss a possible compromise.