Gila National Forest - National Fire Prevention Education Team 2025 Left to right: Brandalyn Vonk, Mark Wiles, Ryan Berlin, Anthony English, and Tim GroomsSilver City, NM — April 23, 2025 — With fire danger at very high levels and no rain in sight, the Southwest Coordinating Group has brought in a five-person National Fire Prevention Education Team (NFPET) to support wildfire prevention efforts in the Gila National Forest and surrounding communities. This interagency team—made up of fire prevention specialists from federal, state, and local agencies—is here to help protect lives, property, and natural resources during what's shaping up to be an especially challenging fire season.
The Gila National Forest is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions following an extremely dry winter.
In response, the NFPET is working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and local businesses to spread fire safety messages, engage with visitors, and provide tools to help prevent human-caused wildfires.
"We're asking everyone to do their part," said Mark Wiles, Team Leader for the National Fire Prevention Education Team. "Most wildfires in southern New Mexico are caused by humans—campfires left unattended, sparks from trailer chains, and hot exhaust on vehicles parking on dry grass. Firefighters have already had to extinguish several of these preventable fires this spring. With a few simple precautions, we can all make a big difference."
Whether you're camping, driving, or enjoying the Gila National Forest, your actions matter. Check fire restrictions, secure your equipment, and think before you spark!
For the latest information on fire restrictions on the Gila National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/gila.
For questions about the Gila FPET, contact Public Information Officer Brandalyn Vonk at (520) 333-5791 or
