Forest Service News Release

The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions for SFNF lands west of the Rio Grande beginning 8:00 a.m. Thursday, July 27. All SFNF lands east of the Rio Grande will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions allowing for campfires and charcoal grilling ONLY in designated forest campgrounds and picnic areas.

Unusually hot and dry weather for July across New Mexico has prompted the decision to have different restriction levels for the forest. The soil and fuel moisture on the east side is not as critical on the west side due to the amount of rain and snow that was received this spring. Conditions on the west side are considered extreme.

Forest Managers use several criteria to determine when to implement restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources.

Stage 2 fire restrictions PROHIBIT the following activities:

• Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, on a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of vegetation and flammable material.
• Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• Operating any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, including chainsaws, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Driving off designated roads. Visitors may park in areas cleared of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway, or in designated parking areas.

Stage 1 fire restrictions PROHIBIT these activities:

• Building, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal fire, or stove fire EXCEPT in a designated Forest Service campground or picnic are in a manufactured structure built for that purpose.
• Smoking, except with an enclosed vehicle or building, on a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least (3) three feet in diameter cleared of vegetation and flammable material.

Visitors may use stoves, grills and lanterns with an on/off switch fueled by propane or other liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels that meet manufacturer’s safety specifications.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are a proactive way to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, protect natural and cultural resources, and enhance public and firefighter safety. Forest visitors are asked to use extreme caution when fire restrictions are in place.

The fire restrictions closure order is posted under the SFNF Alerts and Notices page. Stay up to date on the SFNF closures and other news by checking the SFNF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter