Date: May 13, 2013
Cibola Heightens Fire Restrictions on Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts
Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts to begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13
Albuquerque, NM. May 9, 2013. The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands’ Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts will begin Stage II fire restrictions effective 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2013. “Due to ongoing drought conditions and increasing fire danger, these restrictions are necessary to decrease the likelihood of human-caused wildfires and to protect public health and safety,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Joe Norrell. “In addition, the National Weather Service’s outlook has predicted that drought conditions in the region will persist through July,” he added.
Although the districts will be in fire restrictions, there are many activities that can still be enjoyed on the forest, such as picnicking, hiking and camping. All the campgrounds, picnic areas and trails are expected to be open by May 15. However, please use extreme caution when you’re on the forest, as conditions are very dry and wildfires can start from smoldering cigarettes or sparks from engines.
The Cibola works closely with the cities, counties, state, tribal and federal organizations that border the districts to coordinate fire restrictions. “This collaboration helps ensure the public receives consistent information about fire restrictions in their areas,” said Fire Management Officer Bea Day.
Stage II fire restrictions include:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a Forest Service developed recreation site, or improved site.
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, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
4. Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun.
5. Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
6. 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
7. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
8. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway or overnight parking in Forest Service-developed campgrounds and trailheads.
The following are exempt from Stage II fire orders on public lands managed by the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands:
1. Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2. Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Residents, owners and lessees of land, and holders of Forest Service recreation special use authorizations within the restricted area, are exempt from Restriction No. 1 above ONLY, provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
Current fire restrictions for the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands are:
· Mountainair Ranger District: Will begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13, 2013.
· Sandia Ranger District: Will begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13, 2013.
· Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Will begin Stage I Fire Restrictions on May 10, 2013. The district’s personal woodcutting permit season is delayed.
· Magdalena Ranger District: No restrictions.
· Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands: No restrictions.
· Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands: No restrictions.
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Date: May 10, 2013
Stage II Fire Restrictions on ALL Lincoln National Forest Lands
Stage II Fire Restrictions Effective May 11th for All Lands Administered by Lincoln National Forest
ALAMOGORDO, NM – May 10, 2013 – Uniform fire restrictions will be in place on the Lincoln National Forest, effective Saturday, May 11th, 2013 at 8:00 am. Stage II Fire Restrictions for the entire Forest are detailed under Order No. 08-253. A summary of the fire restrictions is listed below:
STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS include the following prohibitions:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, wood or 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.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building;
3. Using an explosive;
4. Possession, discharging, or using any type of firework or pyrotechnic device;
5. Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 am to 9:00 pm;
6. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame;
7. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order meeting either:
a. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or
b. Appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice;
8.Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway; and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads;
9.Violating any state law concerning burning, fires, or which is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire.
EXEMPTIONS - The following are exempt from this order:
1.Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2.Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Generators that are specifically designed by the manufacturer to be used within, and are used within, an enclosed recreational vehicle such as a motorhome or travel trailer.
Stage II fire restrictions will apply to all Lincoln National Forest lands. The fire danger rating ranges from “HIGH” to “VERY HIGH” across the three districts, Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe. Any violation of the fire restriction order is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.
Forest visitors are reminded to exercise extreme caution and “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” – to make sure you know if and where fire restrictions are in effect before you venture outdoors. This fire season, State and Federal land management agencies within the “Southwest Area” will use a new interagency website: Firerestrictions.us as a primary tool to communicate fire restriction and closure information. (The “Southwest Area” includes: Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas, and the Oklahoma Panhandle).
Current information regarding fire restrictions can be found at http://firerestrictions.us/ this link can also be accessed via http://nmfireinfo.com/ and the Lincoln’s website www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/LincolnUSForest
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Date: May 9, 2013
Mt. Taylor to Initiate Fire Restrictions
Mt. Taylor Ranger District Begins Fire Restrictions
Albuquerque, NM. May 8, 2013. The Cibola National Forest and Grasslands’ Mt Taylor Ranger District will begin Stage I fire restrictions effective 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013. “Due to ongoing drought conditions and increasing fire danger, these restrictions are necessary to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires and to protect public health and safety,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Joe Norrell.
Norrell also said that the Mt. Taylor Ranger District’s personal woodcutting permit season will be delayed until there is enough precipitation to reduce the risk of human-caused fires. The woodcutting season usually runs from mid-May through mid-December each year.
The District’s campgrounds and picnic areas will be open on May 10 as planned. However, there are restrictions for campfires that are outlined below. Please use extreme caution when camping, as untended campfires are a frequent cause of wildfires. If you are going to have a campfire, please be sure to bring plenty of water to douse the fire and keep stirring the embers and adding water until the embers are cold to the touch.
Stage I fire restrictions include:
1.Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a Forest Service developed recreation site, or improved site. 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, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3.Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
The following are exempt from Stage I fire orders on public lands managed by the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands:
1.Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2.Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3.Resident owners and lessees of land, and holders of Forest Service recreation special use authorizations, within the restricted area are exempt from Restriction No. 1 above, provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
Current fire restrictions for the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands are:
·Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Will begin Stage I Fire Restrictions on May 10, 2013.
·Mountainair Ranger District: Will begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13, 2013.
·Sandia Ranger District: Will begin Stage II Fire Restrictions on May 13, 2013.
·Magdalena Ranger District: No restrictions.
·Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands: No restrictions.
·Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands: No restrictions.
District employees regularly monitor temperatures, humidity, and precipitation and also assess the dryness of the vegetation to analyze conditions. This information is used to determine whether fire restrictions are enacted, elevated, lowered or rescinded.
The Cibola’s fire restrictions can be found at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/cibola/alerts-notices
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Date: May 8, 2013
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Institutes Smoking Ban
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Restricts Smoking Due to Fire Hazard
(Pine Springs, TX) Guadalupe Mountains National Park Superintendent Dennis A. Vásquez announced that the park will restrict smoking beginning Sunday, May 12, 2013, as a precautionary measure, in light of the park’s HIGH fire danger rating, which has been caused by continuing high temperatures, low relative humidity, very dry vegetation and high winds.
The following restrictions will apply:
If you smoke, do so only inside vehicles or on hard, paved surfaces at least 30 feet from any vegetation, and dispose of butts in your vehicle ashtray or in receptacles only.
Open flames, campfires, or charcoal or wood barbecues are never allowed within the park.
Don’t park vehicles on dry grass.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Remember, fires can start easily and spread quickly.
Vásquez stated “we have already experienced several red flag warnings and fire weather watches in the park this Spring, and forecasts are for continued drought conditions. Because of extreme fire danger, continuous days of red flag conditions, reduced availability of firefighting resources, and rapid rates of fire spread, we are taking this measure to ensure the safety of park visitors and staff, and to protect park resources and structures.”
Vásquez emphasized, however, “Guadalupe Mountains National Park remains open and we hope that visitors will continue to recreate and enjoy the park. We are continuing to monitor conditions and will re-evaluate these restrictions should conditions change and significantly decrease fire danger.”
For fire safety tips or more information on fire restrictions across Texas, visit http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/, http://ticc.tamu.edu/ or the Texas Interagency Coordination Center at (936) 875-4786. For information on fire restrictions across New Mexico, visit www.NMFireInfo.com, http://InciWeb.org/ or call the Interagency Restriction and Closure Hotline at (877) 864-6985.
Plan before you come! Check the park’s website (www.nps.gov/GUMO/) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Guadalupe.Mountains/), or call the Pine Springs Visitor Center at (915) 828-3251 x2124 for park information, including park conditions, closures or restrictions, weather, safety and program information, may be found on Motorists travelling past the park on U.S. Highway 62/180 may tune in to the park’s Traveller Information System (TIS) radio broadcast, at 1560 AM, for up-to-date park information.
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Date: May 3, 2013
Bursum Road Opens in Gila NF
NM 159 (Bursum Road) Opens
Glenwood, NM; May 2, 2013--The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has opened NM State Highway 159 (Bursum Road) today, May 2, 2013. Prior to re-opening, NMDOT completed the majority of its annual spring maintenance along the road.
Bursum Road is closed annually during the winter months as it is a high-elevation road prone to icy, snowpacked conditions; it re-opens annually during the month of May.
Motorists can expect roadbed conditions to be rough and rocky, and are asked to slow down and exercise caution on the Mogollon-to-Willow Creek portion of the road to avoid tire and vehicle damage.
Bursum Road is paved up to the Community of Mogollon and reverts to native material as it climbs into the mountains. Narrow and winding, the road is characterized as single lane with turnouts. Recommended vehicle length is 20’ maximum. An alternative route for motorists having larger vehicles is Forest Road 141, south of the Community of Reserve.
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Date: May 2, 2013
Piedra Fire in Sandia Mountains
Small Fire Detected in the Sandia Mountains
Tijeras, NM – May 2, 2013. 10:15 a.m. A small wildfire has been detected in the Sandia Mountains. The Piedra Fire is approximately 5-6 acres in size and located four miles E/SE of Bernalillo, NM. The fire is burning in ponderosa pine and fir.
Crews are responding. The Cibola’s helicopter is on scene and making bucket drops. Hotshot crews from Santa Fe and Carson are en route. A Type I helicopter, two air tankers and two air support modules have been ordered.
Additional assistance is being provided by the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Department. To protect the public, the Loop Road is closed.
Updates will be posted on the Cibola’s web page: http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola/
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Date: May 2, 2013
Stage I Fire Restrictions to Begin on Smokey Bear and Sacramento Ranger Districts
Stage I Fire Restrictions to Begin on Lincoln National Forest’s
Smokey Bear and Sacramento Ranger Districts
ALAMOGORDO, NM – May 2, 2013 – The Lincoln National Forest is planning to implement Stage I Fire Restrictions on the Smokey Bear and Sacramento Ranger Districts, effective May 4th, 2013, at 8:00 am.
STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS include the following prohibitions:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal grills, coal, wood or stove; except in Forest Service designated recreation sites and campgrounds where grills and fire rings are provided:
Smokey Bear Ranger District
• Oak Grove Campground
• Three Rivers Campground
• Sam Tobias Memorial Group Campground in Cedar Creek
• Cedar Creek Picnic Area
• Skyline Campground
Sacramento Ranger District
• Trestle Recreation Area
• Silver Campground
• Silver Overflow Campground
• James Canyon Campground
• Karr Canyon Campground
• Upper Karr Campground
• Sleepy Grass Day Use Area
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Possessing, discharging, or using any type of firework or pyrotechnic device.
EXEMPTIONS - The following are exempt from this order:
1. Person with a permit that authorizes actions specifically prohibited by this order.
2. Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Residence owners and lessees of land and holders of Forest Service Special Use authorizations within the restricted area are exempt from Prohibition No. 1 (above); provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
The Guadalupe Ranger District remains in Stage II Fire Restrictions.
Violation of these regulations is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.
Current information regarding fire restrictions will be posted on http://firerestrictions.us/ this link can also be accessed via http://nmfireinfo.com/ and the Lincoln’s website www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/LincolnUSForest
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Date: April 19, 2013
Cibola National Forest and Administered Lands To Enter Fire Restrictions
Cibola National Forest and Grasslands’ Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts begin Stage I fire restrictions on April 22, 2013
Albuquerque, NM. April 18, 2013 – Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Acting Forest Supervisor Travis Moseley announced that the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts will begin Stage I fire restrictions on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. “Due to ongoing drought conditions and increasing fire danger, these restrictions are necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires and to protect public health and safety,” Moseley said.
Stage I fire restrictions include:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a Forest Service developed recreation site, or improved site. Exceptions: The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are allowed providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
The following are exempt from Stage I fire orders on public lands managed by the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands:
1. Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2. Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Resident owners and lessees of land, and holders of Forest Service recreation special use authorizations, within the restricted area are exempt from Restriction No. 1 above, provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
Moseley said that forest employees on all the districts regularly analyze conditions to assess the dryness of the vegetation by monitoring temperatures, humidity and precipitation. This information is used to determine whether fire restrictions are either enacted or elevated to a higher level.
Current fire restrictions for the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands are:
·Mountainair Ranger District: Will begin Stage I Fire Restrictions on April 22, 2013.
·Sandia Ranger District: Will begin Stage I Fire Restrictions on April 22, 2013.
·Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands: No restrictions; fire conditions are currently moderate.
·Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands: No restrictions; fire conditions are currently high.
·Magdalena Ranger District: No restrictions; fire conditions are currently very high.
·Mt. Taylor Ranger District: No restrictions; fire conditions are currently moderate.
The current fire restriction orders can be found on the Cibola’s web site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola in the “Alerts and Notices” section. In addition, fire restrictions information is also posted on a new national fire restriction website: http://firerestrictions.us/.
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Date: April 18, 2013
Curtis Fire Update
Lincoln National Forest – Curtis Fire Update – 4/19/2013, 0900
Fire Name: Curtis
Incident Commander: Caleb Finch, USFS
Date and Time Detected: 4/17/13 – 1528 hours
Jurisdiction: US Forest Service and State of New Mexico
Location: 2 1/2 miles southwest of Mayhill, NM, near Curtis Canyon Dam, off NM Highway 130
Current Size: 109 acres (85 acres USFS, 24 acres private)
Containment: 90%
Structures Burned or Threatened: No structures or outbuildings have been damaged or destroyed in the fire, and no structures are threatened at this time.
Resources: 3 engines, 2 Type I Hot Shot Crews, and overhead personnel
Fire Behavior: No active fire behavior was exhibited overnight. Isolated instances of smouldering debris are possible.
Fuel Type: Pinon juniper and grass understory and Ponderosa Pine stringers in canyon bottoms.
Cause: Human-caused
Evacuations/Closures: There are no evacuation ordes or road closures in place at this time.
Announcements/Notices: Transition to a Type 4 fire management organization will take place today at 18:00.
Today, hotshot and engine crews will continue mop-up and patrol of the fire area to extinguish any remaining hot spots or burning materials. They will also work on completely securing the containment line. Additional updates will be posted as new information becomes available. For a map of the fire area click the following link: Initial Map
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Date: April 18, 2013
Lincoln National Forest Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions
ALAMOGORDO, NM – April 18, 2013 – The Lincoln National Forest is planning to implement Stage II Fire Restrictions on the Guadalupe Ranger District, effective April 21st, 2013, at 8:00 am.
STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS include the following prohibitions:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, wood or 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.
2.Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building;
3.Using an explosive;
4.Discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun;
5.Possession, discharging, or using any type of firework or pyrotechnic device;
6.Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 am to 6:00 pm;
7.Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame;
8.Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order meeting either:
a. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or
b. Appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice;
9.Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway; and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads;
10. Violating any state law concerning burning, fires, or which is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire.
EXEMPTIONS - The following are exempt from this order:
1.Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2.Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Generators that are specifically designed by the manufacturer to be used within, and are used within, an enclosed recreational vehicle such as a motorhome or travel trailer.
In the past two weeks, the Fire Danger Rating for the Smokey Bear and Sacramento Ranger Districts has been elevated to “HIGH,” however there are no fire restrictions on these two districts at this time. “Based on differences in elevation, vegetation, and varying precipitation amounts between the Guadalupe Ranger District, and both the Smokey Bear and Sacramento Ranger Districts, conditions are more extreme in the low country currently. These conditions prompted the action to start the Stage II fire restrictions,” said Troy Hagan, Deputy Fire Staff for the Lincoln National Forest. “As the season progresses, constant evaluation and monitoring of local fuel conditions continues, and results will be recorded and used to track trends which may validate the need for further actions in fire prevention measures. These may include additional fire restrictions in the future. Discussions are ongoing, both internally and with our partners,” Hagan added.
Current information regarding fire restrictions will be posted on http://firerestrictions.us/ this link can also be accessed via http://nmfireinfo.com/ and the Lincoln’s website www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/LincolnUSForest
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Date: April 16, 2013
Colfax County Institutes Burn Ban
04/16/13 - EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY - The Colfax County Fire Marshal has announced that a "Dry Season" is in effect across all Fire Districts in Colfax County, excluding the Philmont and Moreno Valley Fire Districts, and has established a ban on open burning within the areas of Colfax County outlined above. No Burn permits shall be issued at this time, and any current permits are hereby revoked. No outside smoking is permitted except within a 3 foot diameter barren area. The use of "exterior" fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas or charcoal briquette barbeques (except for gas-propane stoves and barbeques), and all open flames in the above designated areas of Colfax County are prohibited. Chainsaws will be permitted provided the manufacturers spark arrestor is in place. Call 575-445-8931 for more information.
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05-13-13
Cibola Heightens Fire Restrictions on Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts
05-10-13
Stage II Fire Restrictions on ALL Lincoln National Forest Lands
05-09-13
Mt. Taylor to Initiate Fire Restrictions
05-08-13
Guadalupe Mountains National Park Institutes Smoking Ban
05-03-13
Bursum Road Opens in Gila NF
05-02-13
Piedra Fire in Sandia Mountains
05-02-13
Stage I Fire Restrictions to Begin on Smokey Bear and Sacramento Ranger Districts
04-19-13
Cibola National Forest and Administered Lands To Enter Fire Restrictions
04-18-13
Curtis Fire Update
04-18-13
Lincoln National Forest Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions
04-16-13
Colfax County Institutes Burn Ban
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