SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
The Santa Fe National Forest will lift campfire and smoking restrictions effective 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, based on decreasing fire danger.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to determine when to implement or rescind fire restrictions. With the onset of the more traditional monsoonal weather pattern, fire danger has significantly decreased with the increased moisture, cloud cover, and higher humidity.
Light to moderate precipitation has occurred across the forest and there are no long-term drying trends in the forecast. The forest uses Remote Automated Weather stations that are strategically placed across the forest to monitor conditions. If a drying trend does occur in the next couple of weeks and fire danger elevates again the forest will monitor those conditions and reinstate fire restrictions as needed.
Although restrictions will be lifted, forest managers urge visitors to use caution around campfires and other potential ignition sources by following campfire safety procedures. Never leave your campsite until the fire is completely extinguished and cold to the touch. Violators of regulations that prohibit abandoning a campfire are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment. If an abandoned campfire causes a wildfire, violators can also be held responsible for fire suppression costs.
Stay up to date on SFNF news by checking the SFNF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
