Santa Fe National Forest Issues Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Effective May 7

By SFNF 

SANTA FE, NM – May 3, 2018 – For Immediate Release. The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will implement forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions effective Monday, May 7 at 8:00 a.m. The Stage 2 fire restrictions will remain in effect across the forest until conditions allow forest officials to change or lift the restrictions.
Stage 2 restrictions prohibit the following:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood 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 and has a turn-off valve
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building
3. Using an explosive
4. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine
from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
5. 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
6. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame
7. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads – exceptions:
parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway or overnight parking
in U.S. Forest Service-developed campgrounds and trailheads
8. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device
Fire restrictions enhance public safety, protect natural and cultural resources, and help prevent human-caused fires. Several criteria are used to determine when to implement fire restrictions, including fire activity levels, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, and the availability of firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be required if conditions warrant.
Campfires on the national forest while under fire restrictions is a violation of law that requires a mandatory appearance in federal court, consequent fines, and possible jail time.
Know before you go. Fire restrictions in New Mexico can be found at https://firerestrictions.us/nm/ and fire updates are posted on the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com.
For more information, call the SFNF Public Affairs Office: (505) 438-5320 or (505) 438-5321.