The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands announced this week that the Mountainair and Sandia ranger districts will enter stage II fire restrictions on Thursday, which will last through August.
The announcement comes as the area experiences extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Extreme drought conditions include increased fire risks as well as die-off of native vegetation, including trees.
“The purpose of this Order is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions,” the document states.
Under stage II restrictions, activities such as campfires — including stove fires and the burning of charcoal, coal and briquettes — are prohibited. An exception is allowed for stoves and grills that are fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas fuels.
Cigarette users are also restricted to smoking only within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in areas with bare ground that are at least three feet in diameter and don’t have any flammable materials.
Motor vehicles are restricted to designated roads and trails unless when parking in an area devoid of vegetation that is within 10 feet of a roadway or is designated for parking.
Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., forest users will not be able to operate equipment powered by internal combustion engines such as generators and chainsaws.
Welding or operating any acetylene or torches with open flames is also prohibited during those hours. The restrictions also prohibit blasting or using any type of explosive between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The restrictions have exceptions for authorized personnel.
People who are found violating the fire restrictions could face misdemeanor charges and a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or up to six months imprisonment.
More information can be found by calling the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990 or the Sandia Ranger District at 505-281-3304.
While the Mountainair and Sandia ranger districts will be implementing stage II restrictions this week, the Magdalena Ranger District will enter stage I restrictions, which will remain in place through July. The stage I restrictions are not as restrictive. Fires will be allowed only within agency-built fire rings or grills that the Forest Service has provided for use. Campfires will be prohibited at dispersed camping sites within the Magdalena Ranger District.
More information about the Magdalena Ranger District restrictions can be obtained by calling 575-854-2281.The Southwest Area Fire Restrictions map can help people plan for their outdoor activities. The map, which is available online, shows places with fire bans, stage I or stage II restrictions and forest closures.