Washington, D.C., Mar 13 -

As New Mexico endured the devastating onslaught of wildfires once again, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce warned today that the more than 100,000 acres of charred landscape the fires left behind are just a foretaste of what could lay ahead for much of the state, particularly in and around its national forests.

Rep. Pearce called for unrelenting vigilance and enhanced preparedness to keep communities safe, citing the complete destruction of the post office in McDonald and the emergency evacuations of McDonald and Prairie View as examples of what residents in other locations across New Mexico must be ready to confront. The 2^nd District lawmaker also pledged to seek additional resources for local first responders (including chronically under-funded rural volunteer firefighters) while continuing to ratchet up the pressure on the U.S. Forest Service to protect life and property by clearing overgrowth and underbrush in New Mexico’s national forests.

“Persistent drought has created the extreme danger of wildfires across New Mexico, particularly in and around our national forests,” Rep. Pearce said. “I strongly urge residents to take the preventative and precautionary measures now that can keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Remove weeds, overgrowth, and other wildfire fuel. Construct a fire break. Most important – consult with local emergency services regarding an evacuation strategy.

“I salute our local first responders for their courage and heroism in fighting to contain these fires. Yet, we cannot ask them to persist in this uphill battle alone when federal policies have created rather than reducing the threat.

“Nearly two months ago, I publicly warned that New Mexico – and its national forests in particular – had become a tinderbox. Today, as temperatures rise and the danger escalates, we need action and vision at all levels of government. It’s time to work together to prevent a catastrophe.”