FARMINGTON, N.M. – Due to increased fire danger and prolonged drought, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing fire restrictions in San Juan, Rio Arriba, Taos, Colfax, Union, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Mora, Harding and San Miguel counties, as well as portions of public land in McKinley and Sandoval counties. 

The restrictions are effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

Prohibited acts include:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove, including in campgrounds and picnic areas. Allowed: The use of stoves fueled by pressurized liquid or gas (can be turned off) within areas cleared of flammable materials at least 10 feet in diameter.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed sites and areas, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating a chainsaw or any other internal or external combustion engine without a U.S Department of Agriculture or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than eight ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
• Possessing or using a motor vehicle off roads, except routes in areas open to off-highway vehicle travel and except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
• Any “hot work” conducted by authorized contractors or permittees for, by, or on BLM land will follow permit stipulations provided by the BLM.

Recreational target shooting within the BLM Taos Field Office boundary is permissible daily between sunrise and 11 a.m., except in Santa Fe County. No recreational target shooting is allowed on BLM lands within Santa Fe County. Users shooting in the area must have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than an eight-ounce capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches. Shooting for licensed hunting purposes is still allowed under this order.

The use of exploding targets and fireworks is prohibited on all BLM-managed lands in New Mexico by statewide order. For more information on this statewide order, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-01/20221212_Fire-Prevention-Order-NM910-23.pdf.

The purpose of this order is for the protection of public health and safety by minimizing chances for wildfire starts. Abundant dry fuels (wildland vegetation, such as grasses, shrubs and trees), high fire danger and worsening fire conditions have prompted this action. To view this order, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Restitution for total costs of fire suppression or damage will be borne by the violator.

We appreciate the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires. 

For more information, contact the BLM Farmington District Office at (505) 564-7600 or visit the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site. Additional fire restrictions information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com.

Original source can be found here