Q1 2011 2nd-Driest Quarter In NM Records - Fire In Cimmaron Nat. Grassland (KS) Burns 30 Sq. Miles

[hatrack]

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In Kansas, firefighters have managed to keep a grass fire within the boundaries of the Cimarron National Grassland. The flames have been fanned by winds up to 40 mph and have consumed about 30 square miles since Sunday.

"We recommend everyone be extremely cautious," Kansas Division of Emergency Management spokeswoman Sharon Watson said Monday. "Wind conditions can make things extremely dangerous given the drought."

In addition to numerous small blazes handled by local firefighters, the state in the past couple of months has battled several large grassfires in parched western Kansas that have charred more than 118 square miles.

In New Mexico, the first three months of the year have marked the second-driest start to any year on record. On Monday, a couple of new fires started, adding to the more than 400 that have scorched more than 490 square miles. Officials plan to close Lincoln National Forest in southeastern New Mexico on Thursday. At least two other national forests have imposed various stages of fire restrictions, and the New Mexico State Forestry Division has enacted restrictions across all but parts of four northern counties.


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http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation/20110509_ap_droughtdescendsontexassurroundingstates.html?page=2&c=y