Date: May 20, 2013
Fire Restrictions of BLM Las Cruces and Pecos Districts
BLM Fire Restrictions Set for Las Cruces District and Pecos District (15 Counties and 6.5 Million Acres Affected)
Santa Fe, NM – The BLM Pecos District Office is implementing fire restrictions on BLM administered public lands in Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Eddy, Guadalupe, Lea, Lincoln, Quay, and Roosevelt Counties. The BLM Las Cruces District Office is implementing fire restrictions on BLM administered public lands in Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Otero, and Sierra Counties. Due to continued low rainfall and humidity as well as above average temperatures, the BLM will implement these fire restrictions effective May 11, 2013, to help prevent wildfires and ensure public and firefighter safety.
Effective at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2013, and until rescinded, the following acts are prohibited:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove other than in a developed campsite or picnic area. Campfires will only be allowed where there are metal fire rings or metal grills.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site/improved site or while stopped in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
To view the Fire Prevention Orders, please go to www.blm.gov/nm/firerestrictions.
According to Roswell Field Manager Chuck Schmidt, “Unfortunately, because drought conditions persist, we encourage the public to continue enjoying their lands, but emphasize that fire prevention is everyone's responsibility.”
Las Cruces District Manager Bill Childress adds, "The lack of rain and extreme dry conditions highlight the reasons to move forward with fire restrictions. This will allow for continued use of public lands while reducing the risk of wildland fires.”
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. As summer continues, additional restrictions or closures may be necessary; check for updates at www.nmfireinfo.com.
|
Date: May 20, 2013
BLM Albuqerque District Fire Restriction
Release Date: 05/20/13
Contacts: Todd Richards , 505-761-8769
BLM Fire Restrictions Set for Albuquerque District (7 Counties and 2.5 Million Acres Affected)
Albuquerque, NM – The BLM Albuquerque District Office is implementing fire restrictions on BLM administered public lands in Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, McKinley, Sandoval, Socorro, and Valencia Counties. Due to continued low rainfall and humidity as well as above average temperatures, the BLM will implement these fire restrictions effective May 20, 2013, to help prevent wildfires and ensure public and firefighter safety.
Effective at 8:00 a.m., Monday, May 20, 2013, and until rescinded, the following acts are prohibited:
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove except for: inside established campfire rings and grills within Datil Well and Joe Skeen Campgrounds, and the Socorro Nature Area. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are allowed provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site/improved site or while stopped in an area at least ten feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
To view the Fire Prevention Orders, please go to www.blm.gov/nm/firerestrictions.
“Now that we are seeing more beautiful weather, we want everyone to continue to enjoy their public lands,” says Danita Burns, acting District Manager for the BLM Albuquerque District. “However, we call upon you as good stewards to do your part. Always take care when you are recreating and using fire, especially during these recent drought conditions. Remember, what you do affects us all.”
The BLM’s Pecos and Las Cruces Districts have also implemented fire restrictions.
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. As summer continues, additional restrictions or closures may be necessary; check for updates at www.nmfireinfo.com.
|
Date: May 20, 2013
Fort Stanton--Snowy River National Conservation Area
Release Date: 05/16/13
Contacts: Larry Ashley , 575-627-0314
BLM Fire Restrictions Increased at Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and Nearby Public Lands
Roswell, NM – The BLM Pecos District Office is increasing fire restrictions in the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area (NCA), at Valley of Fire Recreation Area, and on BLM managed public lands around the community of Lincoln, New Mexico. These fire restrictions are effective May 18, 2013, to help prevent wildfires and ensure public and firefighter safety.
Effective at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, May 18, 2013, and until rescinded, the following acts are prohibited:
Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
Discharging steel-core or steel-jacketed firearms ammunition, or firing a tracer bullet or incendiary device (which includes exploding targets)
The following acts are prohibited from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.:
a. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or fire wood gathering.
b. Blasting, welding, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material.
A patrol is required for one hour following cessation of all work as described in 'a" and "b".
5. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads or trails
To view this and other BLM Fire Prevention Orders, please go to www.blm.gov/nm/firerestrictions.
“These increased fire restrictions will allow for the continued use of BLM-managed public lands in Lincoln County while decreasing the risk of wildland fires” says Chuck Schmidt, Field Manager for the BLM in Roswell.” He continued, “With everyone’s help, we can reduce the risk of wildland fire while also ensuring public and firefighter safety”
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. As summer continues, additional restrictions or closures may be necessary; check for updates at www.nmfireinfo.com.
|
Date: May 13, 2013
Cibola Heightens Fire Restrictions on Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts
Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts to begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13
Albuquerque, NM. May 9, 2013. The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands’ Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts will begin Stage II fire restrictions effective 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2013. “Due to ongoing drought conditions and increasing fire danger, these restrictions are necessary to decrease the likelihood of human-caused wildfires and to protect public health and safety,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Joe Norrell. “In addition, the National Weather Service’s outlook has predicted that drought conditions in the region will persist through July,” he added.
Although the districts will be in fire restrictions, there are many activities that can still be enjoyed on the forest, such as picnicking, hiking and camping. All the campgrounds, picnic areas and trails are expected to be open by May 15. However, please use extreme caution when you’re on the forest, as conditions are very dry and wildfires can start from smoldering cigarettes or sparks from engines.
The Cibola works closely with the cities, counties, state, tribal and federal organizations that border the districts to coordinate fire restrictions. “This collaboration helps ensure the public receives consistent information about fire restrictions in their areas,” said Fire Management Officer Bea Day.
Stage II fire restrictions include:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a Forest Service developed recreation site, or improved site.
Exceptions: The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, or heating devices is allowed, provided such devices meet the fire underwriter's specification for safety and has a turn-off valve.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at 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.
3. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
4. Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun.
5. Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
6. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained and in effective working order. They must meet either USDA Forest Service or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice
7. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
8. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway or overnight parking in Forest Service-developed campgrounds and trailheads.
The following are exempt from Stage II fire orders on public lands managed by the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands:
1. Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2. Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Residents, owners and lessees of land, and holders of Forest Service recreation special use authorizations within the restricted area, are exempt from Restriction No. 1 above ONLY, provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
Current fire restrictions for the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands are:
· Mountainair Ranger District: Will begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13, 2013.
· Sandia Ranger District: Will begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13, 2013.
· Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Will begin Stage I Fire Restrictions on May 10, 2013. The district’s personal woodcutting permit season is delayed.
· Magdalena Ranger District: No restrictions.
· Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands: No restrictions.
· Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands: No restrictions.
|
Date: May 10, 2013
Stage II Fire Restrictions on ALL Lincoln National Forest Lands
Stage II Fire Restrictions Effective May 11th for All Lands Administered by Lincoln National Forest
ALAMOGORDO, NM – May 10, 2013 – Uniform fire restrictions will be in place on the Lincoln National Forest, effective Saturday, May 11th, 2013 at 8:00 am. Stage II Fire Restrictions for the entire Forest are detailed under Order No. 08-253. A summary of the fire restrictions is listed below:
STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS include the following prohibitions:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, wood or stove; Exceptions: The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, or heating devices is allowed, provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specification for safety.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building;
3. Using an explosive;
4. Possession, discharging, or using any type of firework or pyrotechnic device;
5. Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 am to 9:00 pm;
6. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame;
7. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order meeting either:
a. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or
b. Appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice;
8.Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway; and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads;
9.Violating any state law concerning burning, fires, or which is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire.
EXEMPTIONS - The following are exempt from this order:
1.Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2.Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Generators that are specifically designed by the manufacturer to be used within, and are used within, an enclosed recreational vehicle such as a motorhome or travel trailer.
Stage II fire restrictions will apply to all Lincoln National Forest lands. The fire danger rating ranges from “HIGH” to “VERY HIGH” across the three districts, Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe. Any violation of the fire restriction order is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.
Forest visitors are reminded to exercise extreme caution and “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” – to make sure you know if and where fire restrictions are in effect before you venture outdoors. This fire season, State and Federal land management agencies within the “Southwest Area” will use a new interagency website: Firerestrictions.us as a primary tool to communicate fire restriction and closure information. (The “Southwest Area” includes: Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas, and the Oklahoma Panhandle).
Current information regarding fire restrictions can be found at http://firerestrictions.us/ this link can also be accessed via http://nmfireinfo.com/ and the Lincoln’s website www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/LincolnUSForest
|
Date: May 9, 2013
Mt. Taylor to Initiate Fire Restrictions
Mt. Taylor Ranger District Begins Fire Restrictions
Albuquerque, NM. May 8, 2013. The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands’ Mt Taylor Ranger District will begin Stage I fire restrictions effective 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013. “Due to ongoing drought conditions and increasing fire danger, these restrictions are necessary to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires and to protect public health and safety,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Joe Norrell.
Norrell also said that the Mt. Taylor Ranger District’s personal woodcutting permit season will be delayed until there is enough precipitation to reduce the risk of human-caused fires. The woodcutting season usually runs from mid-May through mid-December each year.
The District’s campgrounds and picnic areas will be open on May 10 as planned. However, there are restrictions for campfires that are outlined below. Please use extreme caution when camping, as untended campfires are a frequent cause of wildfires. If you are going to have a campfire, please be sure to bring plenty of water to douse the fire and keep stirring the embers and adding water until the embers are cold to the touch.
Stage I fire restrictions include:
1.Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a Forest Service developed recreation site, or improved site. Exceptions: The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, or heating devices is allowed, provided such devices meet the fire underwriter's specification for safety and has a turn off valve.
2.Smoking, except within 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.
3.Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
The following are exempt from Stage I fire orders on public lands managed by the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands:
1.Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2.Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3.Resident owners and lessees of land, and holders of Forest Service recreation special use authorizations, within the restricted area are exempt from Restriction No. 1 above, provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
Current fire restrictions for the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands are:
·Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Will begin Stage I Fire Restrictions on May 10, 2013.
·Mountainair Ranger District: Will begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13, 2013.
·Sandia Ranger District: Will begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13, 2013.
·Magdalena Ranger District: No restrictions.
·Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands: No restrictions.
·Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands: No restrictions.
District employees regularly monitor temperatures, humidity, and precipitation and also assess the dryness of the vegetation to analyze conditions. This information is used to determine whether fire restrictions are enacted, elevated, lowered or rescinded.
The Cibola’s fire restrictions can be found at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices
|
Date: May 8, 2013
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Institutes Smoking Ban
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Restricts Smoking Due to Fire Hazard
(Pine Springs, TX) Guadalupe Mountains National Park Superintendent Dennis A. Vásquez announced that the park will restrict smoking beginning Sunday, May 12, 2013, as a precautionary measure, in light of the park’s HIGH fire danger rating, which has been caused by continuing high temperatures, low relative humidity, very dry vegetation and high winds.
The following restrictions will apply:
If you smoke, do so only inside vehicles or on hard, paved surfaces at least 30 feet from any vegetation, and dispose of butts in your vehicle ashtray or in receptacles only.
Open flames, campfires, or charcoal or wood barbecues are never allowed within the park.
Don’t park vehicles on dry grass.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Remember, fires can start easily and spread quickly.
Vásquez stated “we have already experienced several red flag warnings and fire weather watches in the park this Spring, and forecasts are for continued drought conditions. Because of extreme fire danger, continuous days of red flag conditions, reduced availability of firefighting resources, and rapid rates of fire spread, we are taking this measure to ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, and to protect park resources and structures.”
Vásquez emphasized, however, “Guadalupe Mountains National Park remains open and we hope that visitors will continue to recreate and enjoy the park. We are continuing to monitor conditions and will re-evaluate these restrictions should conditions change and significantly decrease fire danger.”
For fire safety tips or more information on fire restrictions across Texas, visit http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/, http://ticc.tamu.edu/ or the Texas Interagency Coordination Center at (936) 875-4786. For information on fire restrictions across New Mexico, visit www.NMFireInfo.com, http://InciWeb.org/ or call the Interagency Restriction and Closure Hotline at (877) 864-6985.
Plan before you come! Check the park’s website (www.nps.gov/GUMO/) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Guadalupe.Mountains/), or call the Pine Springs Visitor Center at (915) 828-3251 x2124 for park information, including park conditions, closures or restrictions, weather, safety and program information, may be found on Motorists travelling past the park on U.S. Highway 62/180 may tune in to the park’s Traveller Information System (TIS) radio broadcast, at 1560 AM, for up-to-date park information.
|
Show all Press
Releases and Official Orders for New Mexico |
05-20-13
Fire Restrictions of BLM Las Cruces and Pecos Districts
05-20-13
BLM Albuqerque District Fire Restriction
05-20-13
Fort Stanton--Snowy River National Conservation Area
05-13-13
Cibola Heightens Fire Restrictions on Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts
05-10-13
Stage II Fire Restrictions on ALL Lincoln National Forest Lands
05-09-13
Mt. Taylor to Initiate Fire Restrictions
05-08-13
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Institutes Smoking Ban
Show all Press
Releases and Official Orders for New Mexico
|
