Because of increasing fire danger and to prevent human-caused ignitions, the Bureau of Land Management will implement fire restrictions on BLM-managed lands in New Mexico beginning Wednesday.
Prohibitions include: use of campfires or charcoal; smoking outside of a vehicle, enclosed building or areas free of flammable materials; fireworks and pyrotechnic devices; any type of aerial luminary; and off-highway vehicle use except in designated OHV areas.
In addition, these activities require individuals to have a fire extinguisher or 5 gallons of water and a round-nose shovel of 36-inch minimum length: recreational target shooting, welding, cutting or grinding metal and using chainsaws or other internal or external combustion engines. Spark arresters approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Society of Automotive Engineers are required on chainsaws and all other small internal and external combustion engines.
This order does not prohibit the use of firearms used during lawful hunting activities or the use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices provided they meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety and are used in areas free of flammable materials.
Violations of this order are a Class A misdemeanor and are subject to fines of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both. Restitution for total costs of fire suppression or damage will be borne by the violator.
For more information, visit www.nmfireinfo.com or www.firerestrictions.us/nm or call Teresa Rigby at (505) 954-2256.
