Date: October 19, 2009
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUES FALL BURN PROJECTS
Santa Fe National Forest Prescribed Burn Update
for Saturday, October 17, 2009, 11:30 a.m.
There will be no burning on the Santa Fe National Forest over the weekend. The Chaparral and Thompson Ridge prescribed burn areas will be patrolled and monitored over the weekend. Residual smoke from yesterday's burning activity will still be visible in the Jemez, La Cueva, Thompson Ridge and Cuba areas. In the evenings smoke will begin settling into drainage areas; however it will lift by mid-morning when the sun rises. Residents near the burn areas may wish to keep their windows closed.
Next week, fire managers plan to continue treating the Chaparral, Thompson Ridge and Begoso prescribed burn areas with prescribed fire:
Chaparral Rx Burn, Cuba Ranger District
Yesterday, fire managers on the Cuba Ranger District completed an additional 70-acres within the Chaparral prescribed burn area.
Next Monday, October 19th, if weather conditions are favorable, fire managers plan to continue treating the area with prescribed fire .
The Chaparral Prescribed Burn is a 1500-acre hazardous fuels reduction project designed to reduce the threat of wildfire to the nearby community of Seven Springs as well as to improve overall forest health.
The burn area is approximately 9 miles northwest of Jemez Springs.
Smoke from the Chaparral Prescribed Burn will be visible from Seven Springs, along the Jemez corridor, Highway 550 and into Cuba, NM.
Thompson Ridge Rx Burn, Jemez Ranger District
Yesterday, fire managers on the Jemez Ranger District completed 100-acres within the Thompson Ridge prescribed burn area.
Later next week, if weather conditions are favorable, fire managers plan to continue treating the remaining 155-acres with prescribed fire.
The burn area is located, 10 miles north of Jemez Springs, directly north of La Cueva, off of State Hwy 4; access through Forest Road 106.
Anyone traveling in this area should use caution driving because of smoke and fire traffic in the area. Please drive slow and use lights.
The burn area has been thinned or masticated; treatment by prescribed burning will reduce the effects of a wildfire to the community of Thompson Ridge.
Smoke may be visible from Thompson Ridge Estates, La Cueva, Jemez Springs, Jemez Pueblo, San Ysidro, Zia Pueblo and portions of State Hwy. 550 between Bernalillo and San Ysidro.
Begoso Rx Burn, Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District
Fire managers plan a 2,700 -acre prescribed burn on Glorieta Mesa (Rowe Mesa), beginning October 20th through the month of November.
The burn area is located 14 miles southeast of Pecos, NM, due west of Punta de la Mesa de San Jose.
The objectives of this burn are to: reduce the piñon-juniper encroachment in the ponderosa pine stands and open grasslands; improve wildlife/range habitat by increasing forage production through new grass growth and sprouting oak.
Smoke will be visible for the next few days from the communities of Rowe, Pecos, Glorieta, Ilfeld, San Juan, San Jose, San Ysidro, and along the I-25 corridor.
For updated information on planned and ongoing prescribed burns, call toll-free, 1-877-971-FIRE (3473), or visit nmfireinfo.com. For additional information on programs to reduce wildfire threat to communities, visit http://www.firewise.org/. (http://www.firewise.org/. )
_______________________________________
Lawrence M. Lujan | Santa Fe National Forest
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
11 Forest Lane | Santa Fe, NM 87508
tel: 505-438-5321| email: lmlujan@fs.fed.us
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Date: October 15, 2009
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST PLANS PRESCRIBED BURN NORTH OF HIGH ROLLS
Contact: Tony McWilliams (575) 682-2551
Brian Pearson (575) 682-2551
SALADO PRESCRIBED BURN
Alamogordo, NM (October 8, 2009) - The Lincoln National Forest Sacramento Ranger District will conduct the Salado Prescribed Burn during the week of October 19, 2009. The burn location is approximately three miles north of High Rolls, NM. Residents of the High Rolls, Mountain Park, Fresnal Canyon, and La Luz Canyon areas may see and smell smoke for the duration of the burn. During the implementation of the burn, smoke is expected to be highly visible from NM Highway 70, La Luz and Tularosa.
When the burning begins, signs will be posted along roadways affected by the smoke and motorists are urged to use caution. Forest personnel will be posting current information regarding the progress of the burn for communities and residents in the area. As always, firefighter and public safety are a top priority.
For more information, please contact the Sacramento Ranger District Office at (575) 682-2551, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The address is: Sacramento Ranger District Office, 4 Lost Lodge Road, Cloudcroft, NMN.M. 88310
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Date: October 6, 2009
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST PRESSES ON WITH FALL BURNS
Santa Fe National Forest Prescribed Burn Update
for Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 12 noon
Capulin Prescribed Burn, Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District -
Fire personnel began the 1200-acre prescribed burn today,Tuesday, October 6, 2009. The burn should be completed within 4 days, weather permitting.
Today, they will be working on constructing fireline (pre-burning of woody material on the ground adjacent to control lines) on the northern part of the burn unit in preparation for aerial ignitions tomorrow. A helicopter with an aerial ignition device will be used to treat the interior of the project area. The use of the helicopter allows fire managers to treat a larger area to accomplish the burn faster, thus minimizing smoke exposure over the life of the project.
The burn is located approximately 5 miles southwest of Mora and 3 miles northeast of Rociada in Capulin Canyon. The objective of this burn is to reduce hazardous fuels which will help to minimize the effects of wildfire to the communities of Ledoux, Gascon, Rociada and Upper Rociada. The burn will also assist in meadow restoration and promote diversity through aspen regeneration which comes about naturally after fire has moved through an area.
Smoke will be visible from Mora, Ledoux, Rociada, and possibly from Las Vegas.Smoke is expected to settle into drainage areas; however, will lift by mid-morning when the sun rises and temperatures rise.
For daily updates regarding ongoing prescribed burns on the Santa Fe National Forest, please call our toll-free fire information hotline (recorded message): 1-877-971-FIRE (3473) or visit www.nmfireinfo.com.
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Date: September 29, 2009
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST LAYS OUT FALL BURNING PLANS FOR MUNICIPAL WATERSHED
PUBLIC NOTICE PRESCRIBED BURN: SANTA FE MUNICIPAL WATERSHED
Española Ranger District - Santa Fe National Forest
This Fall, fire managers on the Española Ranger District will be taking advantage of the season's weather to treat hazardous fuels
within the Santa Fe Watershed with prescribed fire. Fall provides good
prescribed burning conditions—warm days, cool nights and good ventilation for smoke.
Prescribed burning is the managed application of fire to wildland fuels (woody material) under specified conditions, within
predetermined boundaries to restore forest health.
Prior to the burn, fire managers will consider many factors including: fuel moisture levels, weather forecasts, resources availability, and air quality in determining whether or not to
ignite or not.
The Santa Fe National Forest is committed to protecting sensitive areas from smoke to the greatest extent possible. However, our highest priority is public wellbeing and safety through the improvement and protection of the City of Santa Fe’s water supply, and through the reduction of hazardous fuels, which will minimize the threat of devastating wildfires.
Burn Name: Santa Fe Watershed Prescribed Burn
Planned For: September 2009 through November 2009. Ignitions will not exceed more than four days. After ignitions are complete, smoke will be visible for a few days.
Acres to be Treated/Method:
During the burning period, 850-acres of hazardous fuels will be treated with hand and aerial
ignitions.
Location: 3 miles east of the City of Santa Fe, northeast of McClure Reservoir.
Smoke: Smoke from the burn will be visible from Santa Fe, east of Santa Fe, Tesuque, and I-25 and to the east from Glorieta to the Pecos Canyon area. Smoke is expected to settle into lower elevations and in drainage areas during the evenings, but should lift by mid-morning. Smoke will be monitored and the Forest Service will comply with NM air quality regulations. Smoke from prescribed fires is considerably less and of a shorter duration than smoke of wildfires
that can burn for weeks and even months at a time. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are urged to stay indoors with windows and doors closed when possible and to avoid using wood or gas stoves and candles.
For more information, please call the Española Ranger District at
(505) 753-7331
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Date: September 28, 2009
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST TO BURN THINNED MATERIALS
Santa Fe Watershed Prescribed Burn Planned for September 29
Forest Service fire managers on the Espanola Ranger District are planning to continue burning previously thinned material in the Santa Fe Watershed beginning Tuesday, September 29th if conditions are favorable. During the four day burning period, appropmately 1,500-acres will be treated with hand and aerial ignitions. Smoke from the burn will visible from the city of Santa Fe, east of Santa Fe, Tesuque, from I-25 and to the east from Glorieta to the Pecos Canyon area. Smoke may settle into lower elevations and in drainage areas during the evenings, but should lift by mid-morning.
The Santa Fe Watershed Project was designed to reduce dense small-diameter tree stands within a 7,270 acre area in the watershed that pose a wildfire threat to both the watershed and the city of Santa Fe. Providing 40 percent of Santa Fe’s water, the watershed is one of the main sources of water for the city Santa Fe. Since 2002 when the project began, all thinning has been completed, and approximately 3,400 acres of piles have been burned successfully. There remains 1,500 acres with piles of thinned material in the treated area.
For more information on the Santa Fe Watershed Burn please visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe or call the Espanola Ranger District at 505-753-7331.
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Date: August 25, 2009
FLOOD, NOT FIRE, CAUSES ROAD CLOSURE IN GILA NATIONAL FOREST
August 25, 2009
MIMBRES, NM--- Portion of Forest Road 150 in Rocky Canyon Impassable Due to Heavy Rains and Flooding.
Heavy rains and flooding occurring Sunday and Monday washed out a portion of Forest Road 150 (North Star Mesa Road) and have made it impassable.
An area in Rocky Canyon was flooded by rain causing extensive road damage. After an assessment of the road, District Ranger Al Koss and Gila National Forest Engineer Louie Canez decided to close the road until it is repaired and is safe for travel.
The closure on the south end will begin at the road to the Continental Divide Trailhead-Road #4080R. Also, Rocky Canyon Campground is inaccessible.
Forest Road 150 will also be closed on the north end to prevent travelers from becoming stranded. Signs will be posted at the north and south entrance of Forest Road 150.
Due to wet muddy conditions along the entire length of Forest Road 150, the public is strongly discouraged from traveling into this area.
Fore more information, please call the Wilderness Ranger District at (575) 536-2250.
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Date: August 25, 2009
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST TO PROCEED WITH PLANNED BURNS
Contact: Jay Northcott, Acting Fire Management Officer
(575) 682-2551
SACRAMENTO RANGER DISTRICT TO CONTINUE WITH PRESCRIBED BURNS
Alamogordo, NM (August 24, 2009) – The Lincoln National Forest Sacramento Ranger District will continue implementing several prescribed pile burns over the next few months. These pile burns began the week of July 6, 2009, and will continue as long as the current weather conditions permit.
The burn in James Canyon near the Irongate subdivision was completed in mid July. We will continue burning in the Cloudcroft area around Bailey Canyon and Sleepy Grass picnic area as well as burning the Slash Pit at the junction of US Highway 82 and 244, as needed. Additionally, pile burns will be conducted south of Cloudcroft in the area of Upper Karr recreation area.
Residents of local communities as well as the public may see and smell smoke for the duration of the burns. When the burning begins, signs will be posted along highways affected by the smoke and motorists are urged to use caution. Forest personnel will be posting current information regarding the progress of the burn for communities and residents in the area. As always, firefighter and public safety are a top priority.
For additional information, please contact the Sacramento Ranger District Office, (575) 682-2551, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The address is: Sacramento Ranger District Office, 4 Lost Lodge Road, Cloudcroft, NM, 88310.
For more information about the Lincoln National Forest, please visit our web site at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln ) or the Southwest Coordination Center, which provides fire information, logistics and predictive services at the following web site: http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/. (http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/. )
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Date: August 14, 2009
CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST ISSUES PARTIAL FIRE CLOSURE ON SANDIA RANGER DISTRICT
Tijeras, August 13, 2009 – The USDA Forest Service, Cibola National Forest has issued a Partial Fire Closure for all areas within the Military Withdrawal and its adjacent areas within the Sandia Ranger District located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico effective August 12, 2009.
“The purpose of this order is the result of our concern for the health and safety of the public, residents and Main Fire personnel due to the increased fire vehicular traffic and line construction on the roads and trails in the David Canyon area,” said Sandia District Ranger Cid Morgan.
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b) the following act is prohibited on the area, roads and trails as described in this order known as, “the military withdrawal”, all within the adjacent areas of the Sandia Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
PROHIBITIONS: Going into or being upon the restricted area. 36 CFR 261.53(e)
EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e) the following persons are exempt from this order:
Persons with a permit specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
AREA DESCRIBED LEGALLY AS:
This restricted area includes all Cibola National Forest lands, facilities, roads and trails contained within these boundaries: South of I-40 (Tijeras Canyon) at Military Withdrawal northern boundary, West of NM Hwy 337, East of Kirtland Air Force Base, and North of Isleta Pueblo.
Further Described Legally as: T10N R5E all or portions of Sections 34, T9N R5E Sections 1-36, T9N R41/2E all or portions of Sections 12-13, 24-25, 36, T8N R5E Sections 1-5, T8N R6E Section 6, 19. The restricted area is shown on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this order as Exhibit A.
PURPOSE
This order is for the protection of human health and safety in the area due to extreme hazards and unsafe conditions resulting from a wildfire.
IMPLEMENTATION OF ORDER NUMBER: 03-0304
This Order will be in effect when signed and shall remain in effect until rescinded or until December 31, 2009, whichever occurs first.
Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individual and $10,000 for organization or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or both. [Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581].
This Order supersedes, rescinds, and replaces any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.
For more information regarding this closure please contact the Sandia Ranger District at (505) 281-3304, or visit the District located at 11776 Hwy 337 in Tijeras.
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Date: August 6, 2009
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST ANNOUNCES AREA CLOSURE NEAR RUIDOSO
NEWS RELEASE
USDA Forest Service
Lincoln National Forest
3463 Las Palomas Road
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Contact: Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200
Chad Stewart (575) 257-4095
PORTION OF SMOKEY BEAR DISTRICT TO CLOSE
(Alamogordo, NM, August 5, 2009) – The Smokey Bear District Office is announcing the closing of a project area to public access west of the District Office and Cedar Creek Road. The area, which includes a hiking and biking trail will be closed effective August 10, 2009, at 8:00 a.m.
The District Fitness Trail behind the District Office will not be closed. However, the parking area at the entrance of the Fitness Trail will be closed Monday through Friday due to log hauling operations. Signs will be posted in the area to remind the public of this closure action.
The District will be implementing a vegetation treatment, which includes cutting and removal of trees within a 165 acre project area. Machinery, logging trucks and other vehicles will be active in the area. Implementation of this project is expected to last approximately 30-45 days.
The purpose of the temporary area closure is to protect public health and safety through the duration of the project.
For more information on this closure action, please contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District Office at (575) 257-4095, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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Date: July 7, 2009
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST WET ENOUGH TO RESUME PRESCRIBED BURNS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2009
Contact: Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200
SACRAMENTO RANGER DISTRICT TO CONDUCT PRESCRIBED BURNS
Alamogordo, NM – The Lincoln National Forest Sacramento Ranger District will conduct several prescribed pile burns over the next month. These pile burns will begin the week of July 6, 2009, and continue as long as the current moisture conditions permit. Burns will be conducted in James Canyon close to Irongate subdivision, in the Cloudcroft area around Bailey Canyon and Sleepy Grass picnic area, and south of Cloudcroft in the area of Upper Karr recreation area. Residents of local communities as well as the general public may see and smell smoke for the duration of the burns.
When the burning begins, signs will be posted along highways affected by the smoke and motorists are urged to use caution. Forest personnel will be posting current information regarding the progress of the burn for communities and residents in the area. As always, firefighter and public safety are a top priority.
For additional information, please contact the Sacramento Ranger District Office, (575) 682-2551, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The address is: Sacramento Ranger District Office, 4 Lost Lodge Rd., Cloudcroft, N.M, 88310.
For more information about the Lincoln National Forest, please visit our web site at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln ) or the Southwest Coordination Center, which provides fire information, logistics and predictive services at the following web site: http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/. (http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/. )
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Date: June 30, 2009
IMPORTANT REMINDER - NO FIREWORKS ANYWHERE IN NATIONAL FORESTS A-N-D BE AWARE OF BEARS
FIREWORKS PROHIBITED ON ALL NATIONAL FOREST LANDS
ALBUQUERQUE, June 30, 2009 - In anticipation of the July 4th holiday, Cibola National Forest officials remind everyone the importance of responsible recreating. Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose notes that fireworks of any kind are strictly prohibited on National Forest System lands. Violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. Cibola National Forest personnel will patrol the roads, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreational facilities during the holiday weekend.
Even though the Cibola National Forest is currently not under fire restrictions, campfire safety is still of concern. Forest officials urge everyone to follow fire safety precautions when visiting the forest. If you have a campfire, please abide by the following rules:
Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs,
dry grass, pine needles and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire.
Clear the area down to bare soil.
Keep your campfire safe and small, especially in windy conditions.
Never leave your campfire unattended.
Do not bury your coals as they can smolder and re-ignite later.
Drown the fire with water & dirt, stir remains, add more water and dirt, and stir again.
Make sure your fire is dead out before leaving. Feel all materials with your bare hand.
Forest Officials also remind the public to please “Be Bear Aware”. Some areas of the forest are experiencing a high occurrence of black bear sightings. Although beautiful to look at, black bears are wild creatures that are dangerous if provoked.
Supervisor Rose encourages Forest visitors to dispose of trash in receptacles located in camp and picnic areas or take it home with them if these receptacles are full. "If we all do our part, we can keep the Forests clean for everyone's enjoyment," Rose said.
Please contact Mark Chavez at (505) 346-3900 for additional information.
For other local fire restrictions and general fire information for any Southwestern Forest, you can use the World Wide Web at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ (http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/ ) or you may call toll free 1-877-864-6985.
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Date: June 22, 2009
GILA NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUING TO MANAGE WILDFIRES, RE-OPENS FR150 AND CAMPGROUNDS
Gila National Forest Fact Sheet
June 22, 2009 - Fire Update – 10:00 am
Four lightning-caused wildfires are being managed to achieve resource objectives within ponderosa pine ecosystems on the Gila National Forest. The Joshua, Willow, Meason and Diamond fires are expected to remain active until the monsoon season is established, predicted to begin in late June or early July.
Wildland fires for resource benefits are often long duration events which require public support and understanding of smoke events, temporary inconveniences regarding travel, and potential closure of public use areas.
To effectively manage wildland fire, the landscape must be large enough to consider anticipated fire spread and the risk to the public must be minimal. The low to moderate fire behavior exhibited on wildland fire management events on the Gila National Forest this summer are contributing to improved wildlife habitat and a healthier forest.
++Joshua fire: Quemado Ranger District. Detected on 6/12/09, located 4 miles north of Luna, NM. The fire remains at 230 acres in size. This fire is being managed for resource benefits, which helps in the restoration of the forest by providing nutrients to the soil and encouraging growth of forbs and grasses. The fire is mostly smoldering within the interior. Although, the fire is located only 4 miles north of Luna, NM, there is no threat to structures or private property.
A total of 22 personnel are assigned.
For more information, please call 575-773-4678.
++Willow fire: Reserve Ranger District. Detected 5/30/09, located 14 miles northeast of Reserve, NM and 8 miles southeast of Apache Creek, NM. The fire is estimated to be about 8850 acres in size and no new growth has been reported.
If traveling Forest Service roads in or near the fire the area, please attempt to use alternative routes or be prepared for temporary travel delays.
CLOSURE NOTICE: The Continental Divide Trail is closed between Forest Roads 47 and 94.
Currently, 30 firefighting personnel are assigned to the fire.
For more information about the Willow fire, please call: 575-533-6231.
++Meason fire: Wilderness Ranger District. Detected on 6/1/09, located 26 miles north of Mimbres, NM. The fire perimeter measures at 6,695 acres. Due to more accurate mapping the acreage decreased. The fire continues to exhibit low to moderate fire behavior. Portions of the fire will remain active until the rains brought by the monsoon season extinguish the few live or active flames that exist. Fire behavior is expected to be at a low intensity today on the Meason fire.
Today, 20 personnel are assigned to the fire.
++Diamond fire: Wilderness Ranger District. Detected on 5/28/09, located 45 miles northeast of Silver City, NM. The fire perimeter measures at 16,045 acres. This fire is being managed to meet resource management objectives, while providing for public and firefighter safety first. There was an increase in fire behavior yesterday, resulting in additional growth along South Diamond Creek drainage and near Spring Mountain. The Bandelier Fire Use module will work on holding the fire east of Diamond Creek and working the fireline along Trail # 67. Along South Diamond Creek, fire progression is tracked and documented by the Fire Use module and Wilderness Ranger District crew members.
CLOSURE NOTICE: All Closures have been lifted.
Forest Road 150, Rocky Canyon Campground; and Upper and Lower Black Canyon Campgrounds are OPEN.
Please use caution if you are traveling in the area of the fires, there are still several fire personnel on and along the road. For safety precaution please drive with headlights on.
Today, 51 personnel are assigned to the fire.
For more information about the Meason and Diamond fires, please call 575-536-2250.
It is the policy of the Gila National Forest to suppress all human-caused wildfires.
For more information about current fire activity on the Gila National Forest, contact the fire information officer at 575-388-8245 or visit the website at http://fs.usda.gov/gila (http://fs.usda.gov/gila )
These fires are updated daily on http://www.inciweb.org/ (http://www.inciweb.org/ )
Visit http://nmfireinfo.wordpress.com/ (http://nmfireinfo.wordpress.com/ ) for New Mexico fire information.
++If a wildfire starts naturally, we can use different strategies and tactics in different parts of the fire to manage for multiple objectives, including public safety and resource objectives.
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Date: June 1, 2009
BLM ORDER CANCELS RESTRICTIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO
May 29, 2009
FIRE PREVENTION ORDER # NM-500-2009-02
STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS RESCINDED
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, PECOS DISTRICT OFFICE
This order rescinds # NM-500-2009-01 and allows the building, maintaining, attending and use of a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. Smoking outside an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material is no longer prohibited.
Effective at 8 a.m. on June 1, 2009 the Stage I fire restrictions on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Pecos District Office are rescinded. The use or possession of fireworks on public lands is strictly prohibited at all times.
All BLM recreation areas, campgrounds and trails administered by the Pecos District Office are open to visitor use.
Questions regarding this order should be addressed to Ty Bryson, Pecos District Fire Management Officer at 575.234.5960.
Implemented by the Pecos District Office on this 29th day of May, 2009.
BY: Pecos District Manager
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Date: June 1, 2009
KIOWA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS RAISES RESTRICTIONS TO STAGE II IN NORTHEASTERN NM
FIRE RESTRICTIONS NOW AT STAGE II ON KIOWA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS
CLAYTON, NM, May 28, 2009 – The Kiowa National Grasslands will increase to Stage 2 fire restrictions effective 8:00 a.m., Friday, May 29, 2009. Kiowa National Grasslands District Ranger Nancy Walls stated, "Given the continued dry conditions, fire danger remains high and warrants this increase in fire restrictions." The Kiowa National Grasslands are located in the northeast part of New Mexico near Clayton.
Beginning 8:00 am, Friday, May 29, 2009, the following restrictions apply to the Kiowa National Grasslands.
Open Campfire Restrictions:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal broiler, coal or wood stove
are prohibited.
Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed.
Smoking Restrictions:
Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
District Ranger Nancy Walls would also like to remind the public that the Rita Blanca National Grasslands in Texas and Oklahoma will remain in the following Stage 1 restrictions:
Open Campfire Restrictions:
Campfires, charcoal grills and stove fires are prohibited on national forest lands except in Forest Service developed camp and picnic grounds where grills are provided.
Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed. Please contact the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands for more details regarding where fires are allowed.
Smoking Restrictions:
Smoking is allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building; a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter and free of all flammable material.
As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forest lands.
Please contact Nancy Walls at the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands (575) 374-9652, for additional information.
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Date: June 1, 2009
STATE FORESTRY LIFTS RESTRICTIONS IN 21 NEW MEXICO COUNTIES
NEWS RELEASE May 29, 2009
Contact: Dan Ware, Public Relations Coordinator
505-476-3336
State Forestry to Lift Fire Restrictions
Santa Fe - The New Mexico State Forestry Division has announced it plans to lift its smoking, firework, campfire and open fire restrictions for 20 New Mexico counties, initially imposed on May 13, 2009. The rescission will take effect on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 8 a.m.
The restrictions were imposed on all non-municipal, non-federal and non-tribal lands in Catron, Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Mora,
Otero, Quay, Roosevelt, San Miguel, Sierra and Socorro Counties.
This action will include restrictions imposed at all New Mexico State Parks. This rescission does not affect any restrictions or closures imposed by local government agencies on their public lands that may still be in effect.
“We’ve seen some consistent rainfall and higher humidity across the state and because of that, we feel that the restrictions imposed in 20 counties can be lifted,” said New Mexico State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer. “We appreciate residents’ and visitors’ adherence to the restrictions while they were in place and
believe they helped reduced the number of human-caused wildfires. Increased moisture across New Mexico and fewer large fires indicate that fire danger is lower and is expected to decrease.
The State Forestry Division will continue to monitor fire danger across the state and may implement restrictions again, if conditions worsen. Drought conditions still exist across many parts of the state and New Mexico State Forestry urges all state residents and visitors to continue to be extremely cautious with fire.
So far, during calendar year 2009, New Mexico State Forestry has reports 409 fires, which have burned more than 145,000 acres.
For more information regarding fire restrictions in New Mexico, log onto www.nmforestry.com.
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Date: June 1, 2009
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST CANCELS FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Contact: Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200
James Villard (575) 434-7200
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST TO LIFT FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Alamogordo, NM (May 29, 2009) – Effective June 1, 2009, at 8 a.m., the Lincoln National Forest will lift the Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
Recent moisture received on the Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger Districts has allowed for ending Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. In the forest setting fuel moisture has increased, but it will take more rain and a set up of the monsoon pattern to continue to reduce fire danger to a lower level.
The Lincoln National Forest remains prepared for the duration of the 2009 wildfire season. Lincoln National Forest extends a thank you to the public and communities for your cooperation during the fire restrictions.
All agencies in southeastern New Mexico thank the public and communities for their diligence in fire prevention. Most of the fires that occur this time of year are human-caused. We need everyone’s help to keep our forest free of fires. Never leave a campfire unattended. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished. Keep water and hand tools ready in case your fire should attempt to spread. Campfire safety is a year round concern.
As always, fireworks are prohibited on the Lincoln National Forest, and approved spark arresters are mandatory on all internal combustion engines.
The Villages of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Capitan, Cloudcroft, Sacramento, Weed, Timberon, Pinyon, and High Rolls look forward to the public visiting during this time or any time of the year.
Camping, hiking, bike riding or enjoying a relaxing picnic within the local area or the Lincoln National Forest can be a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
For specific information on a particular area, please contact your local Lincoln National Forest or any National Forest office. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. For current fire restriction information on public lands in the southwest, please call 1-877-864-6985.
For additional information on Lincoln National Forest, please contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District Office at (575) 257-4095 or the Sacramento Ranger District Office at (575) 682-2551, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Guadalupe Ranger District is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (575) 885-4181.
To contact New Mexico State Forestry, please call (505) 476-3336, open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To report a fire, call (575) 434-2286 or toll free 1-877-695-1663.
For more information on the Lincoln National Forest, please visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln.
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Date: June 1, 2009
BLM-LAS CRUCES DROPS RESTRICTIONS FOR MUCH OF SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO
FIRE PREVENTION ORDER #NM-030-09-01, EFFECTIVE MAY 15, 2009
FIRE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER
IS HEREBY RESCINDED, EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2009
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, LAS CRUCES DISTRICT OFFICE
This order rescinds NM-030-09-01 and allows the use of petroleum-fueled devices and open fires.
Effective June 1, 2009 fire restrictions on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces District Office are lifted. The use or possession of fireworks on public lands is strictly prohibited at all times.
All BLM recreation areas, campgrounds and trails administered by the Las Cruces District Office are open to visitor use.
Questions regarding this order should be addressed to Steve Bumgarner, BLM Fire Management Officer at (505) 525-4305.
Done at Las Cruces, New Mexico, the 28th day of May, 2009.
Signed: Bill Childress, Las Cruces District Manager-BLM
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Date: May 29, 2009
STATE FORESTRY TO DROP SOME RESTRICTIONS JUNE 1st
NEWS RELEASE
May29,2009
Contact:
Dan Ware, Public Relations Coordinator
505-476-3336
State Forestry to Lift Fire Restrictions
Santa Fe - The New Mexico State Forestry Division has announced it plans to lift its smoking, firework, campfire and open fire restrictions for 20 New Mexico counties, initially imposed on May 13, 2009. The rescission will take effect on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 8 a.m.
The restrictions were imposed on all non-municipal, non-federal and non-tribal lands in Catron, Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Mora, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt, San Miguel, Sierra and Socorro Counties.
This action will include restrictions imposed at all New Mexico State Parks. This rescission does not affect any restrictions or closures imposed by local government agencies on their public lands that may still be in effect.
“We’ve seen some consistent rainfall and higher humidity across the state and because of that, we feel that the restrictions imposed in 20 counties can be lifted,” said New Mexico State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer. “We appreciate residents’ and visitors’ adherence to the restrictions while they were in place and believe they helped reduced the number of human-caused wildfires. Increased moisture across New Mexico and fewer large fires indicate that fire danger is lower and is expected to decrease.
The State Forestry Division will continue to monitor fire danger across the state and may implement restrictions again, if conditions worsen.
Drought conditions still exist across many parts of the state and New Mexico State Forestry urges all state residents and visitors to continue to be extremely cautious with fire.
So far, during calendar year 2009, New Mexico State Forestry has reports 409 fires, which have burned more than 145,000 acres.
For more information regarding fire restrictions in New Mexico, log onto www.nmforestry.com.
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Date: May 26, 2009
GILA NATIONAL FOREST LIFTS FIRE RESTRICTIONS!!
Recent rains curb fire conditions – fire restrictions are lifted
on Gila National Forest
(Silver City, NM – May 26, 2009) - Southern areas of the Gila National Forest began receiving rain last Friday afternoon and by Sunday, precipitation had been received Forest-wide. Generally, May showers tend to be spotty, but reports from fire lookouts staffed across the forest indicated that between ¼ and slightly over ½ inch of rainfall reached most of the forest.
“The rain was general enough to affect fire conditions, dropping the overall fire danger rating to ‘Moderate’ from ‘High’ and ‘Very High,’ which is where we had been during the last two to three weeks,” said Craig Cowie, Fire and Vegetation Staff Officer for the Forest. “The fact that we did receive as much rain as we did on a forest-wide basis influenced the decision to the lift the fire restrictions that had gone into effect on May 15th,” Cowie added. Lifting of fire restrictions is effective May 26, 2009.
Fire danger ratings are based on broad scale assessments of general conditions over a large or extended area. The “ratings” are descriptors of the combination of both constant and variable factors which affect the potential for fire starts – and the spread and difficulty to control wildfires within an area. Five levels of ratings include: Low, Moderate, High, Very High and Extreme. At a “Low” rating, fuels do not readily ignite…”High” ratings signify that fine, dead fuels can ignite readily and start easily from most causes.
With June just around the corner, firefighters continue to prepare for response to an increase in the number lightning-caused fires that are expected to occur between now and the anticipated July rains, otherwise known as the “monsoons.” During the Memorial Day weekend, one lightning-caused fire was reported and six abandoned campfires were discovered and extinguished.
For additional information about current fire conditions, please contact the fire information officer at 575-388-8245 or visit the website at http://fs.usda.gov/gila (http://fs.usda.gov/gila )
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Date: May 19, 2009
BLM RESTRICTIONS ORDER FOR SOUTHEAST NM
FIRE PREVENTION ORDER # NM-500-2009-01
STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, PECOS DISTRICT OFFICE
Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 9212.2, because of extreme fire hazard conditions, the following acts are prohibited on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered land within the Pecos District area of New Mexico effective May 15, 2009 until further notice. This includes BLM administered public land in Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Eddy, Guadalupe, Lea, Lincoln, Quay, and Roosevelt Counties, New Mexico. This restriction includes the Pecos District encompassing Carlsbad Field Office and Roswell Field Office.
Effective at 8:00 a.m., May 15, 2009, and until rescinded, the following acts are prohibited:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety is allowed.
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 or incendiary device.
The restrictions are necessary due to extreme fire danger from prolonged hot and dry weather conditions.
The following persons are exempt from the restrictions of this Fire Prevention Order:
1. Persons with a permit that authorizes actions specifically prohibited by this closure order.
2. Persons involved in the operations of permitted range management activities.
3. Persons conducting a business, trade, or occupation in the area under special use permit.
4. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
This Order is necessary to protect public health and safety due to the extreme fire danger.
This Order becomes effective at 8 AM, May 15, 2009, and will remain in force until rescinded or until December 31, 2009.
Implemented by the Pecos District Office on this 12th day of May, 2009
Pecos District Manager
Violation of this Fire Prevention Order is punishable by a fine or not more than $1,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both (43 CFR 9212.4).
Questions regarding this order should be addressed to the Pecos District Fire Management Officer, Ty Bryson, at 575.234.5960, the Roswell Field Office at 575.627.0272, or the Carlsbad Field Office at 575.234.5972
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Date: May 15, 2009
NM State Forestry Announces Fire Restrictions for 20 Counties beginning Friday, May 15, 2009
NEWS RELEASE: May 13, 2009
Contact: Dan Ware, Public Relations Coordinator
505-476-3336
EMNRD Secretary Announces Restrictions for Fireworks, Smoking, Campfires and Open-Fires Restrictions affect 20 counties
Santa Fe New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Joanna Prukop and State Forester Arthur Butch Blazer today announced restrictions on fireworks, smoking, campfire and open-fires for 20 counties. The restrictions will go into effect at 8:00 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2009.
The restrictions are being imposed due to prolonged low levels of precipitation, high winds and low humidity across much of New Mexico, which has caused high to extreme fire danger.
The restrictions will be imposed on all non-municipal, non-federal and non-tribal lands in Catron, Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Mora, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt, San Miguel, Sierra and Socorro Counties The restrictions in all counties listed will remain in effect until rescinded.
Open Fires: Smoking, Fireworks, Campfires, Flaring of gas and other open fires are prohibited
For specific details and the legal restriction notification, log onto www.nmforestry.com. For more information, please call (505) 476-3326.
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Date: May 13, 2009
GILA NATIONAL FOREST ENTERS FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Gila National Forest Announces Fire Restrictions will be in place by May 15th
(Silver City, NM – May 12, 2009) - The Gila National Forest will implement Fire and Smoking Restrictions, effective on Friday, May 15, 2009. “We have responded to eleven human-caused fires on the Forest since March with nine of those fires reported in April. The trend in human-caused fires is on the rise: several of these fires were caused by abandoned campfires,” said Craig Cowie, Fire and Vegetation Staff Officer for the forest. “Every week, there are new reports of abandoned or unattended campfires,” Cowie added.
As June approaches, the number of lightning-caused fires is expected to add a significant workload. Preventing human-caused fires can help firefighters focus on those fires that are caused by lightning during the peak fire season – normally May and June.
Fire restrictions can be effective in raising awareness about Forest conditions, especially critical are areas where dead, dry grass is present. Fire restrictions can help to eliminate any source of a possible fire start by limiting campfires and smoking to developed campgrounds that have areas that are clear of vegetation. A fire that starts in grass can spread quickly – a fast-moving wildfire can pose challenges to firefighters and it can be a threat to public safety.
The official order states:
It is prohibited to build, maintain, attend or use a fire, campfire, or stove fire.
Smoking will be allowed only in 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.
Some exemptions include the use of petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices that meet Fire Underwriters’ specifications for safety; having campfires within a pre-constructed Forest Service fireplace within designated campgrounds and picnic areas (see list below); and Federal, State, or local officers, or members of organized rescue or firefighting forces while performing official duties.
No fires are allowed in any campground on the Black Range Ranger District.
(cont)
A list of designated campgrounds where campfires will be allowed:
Quemado Ranger District (575) 773-4678
Quemado Lake area:
Juniper Campground
Piñon Campground
El Caso Campground
Glenwood Ranger District (575) 539-2481
Whitewater Picnic Area (Catwalk)
Bighorn Campground
Cottonwood Campground
Pueblo Park Campground
Reserve Ranger District (575) 533-6231
Willow Creek Campground
Dipping Vat Campground
Ben Lilly Campground
Gilita Campground
South Fork Campground
Apache Creek Campground
Aeroplane Mesa Campground
Wilderness Ranger District (575) 536-2250
Sapillo Group Area
Upper Scorpion Campground
Lower Scorpion Campground
Lake Roberts area:
Upper End Campground
Mesa Campground
Lake Roberts Picnic Area
Silver City Ranger District (575) 388-8245
Little Walnut Picnic Area
Cherry Creek Campground
McMillan Campground
Iron Creek Campground
Upper Gallinas Campground
Lower Gallinas Campground
Railroad Canyon Campground
For additional information about Fire and Smoking Restrictions, please contact the fire information officer at 575-388-8245 or visit the website at http://fs.usda.gov/gila (http://fs.usda.gov/gila )
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Date: May 12, 2009
STAGE II RESTRICTIONS TO START MAY 14 IN LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST
Contact: Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200
James Villard (575) 434-7200
INCREASED FIRE DANGER WARRANTS STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Alamogordo, NM (May 12, 2009) – Due to increased fire danger on public lands in Southeastern New Mexico, the decision has been made to enact Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Lincoln National Forest.
The Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for the Lincoln National Forest begin on Thursday, May 14, 2009, at 8:00 a.m.
“The 2009 Fire Season began earlier this year due to the dry winter, above normal temperatures and high winds. Our concerns are the elevated fire danger and our priority for public and firefighter safety. Fire restrictions have proven to be effective in the past, reducing human-caused fires in the area,” said Jacque Buchanan, Lincoln National Forest Supervisor. “In addition, this also means, we need everyone’s help to ensure our forest continues to be free of fire here in southern New Mexico,” she said.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include prohibition of:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, tiki torches or wood stoves are prohibited 36 CFR § 261.52(a). The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices which meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety are allowed within the Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger Districts. You cannot create or use a campfire, charcoal fires, tiki torches, or wood stoves anywhere on the Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger Districts including James Canyon, Upper Karr, Lower Karr and Bluff Springs developed campgrounds. See exemptions below.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CFR § 261.52(c).
3. Using an explosive or firearms. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b).
4. Operating a chainsaw, Off Highway Vehicle/All Terrain Vehicle, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, i.e., generators, tractors, skidders, backhoes, dozers, excavators, lawn mowers from 10 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. This excludes Privately Owned Vehicles (passenger cars and trucks and Forest Service vehicles) on Forest Service Roads 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h). When these restrictions are invoked, the Forest Service may curtail or shut down all or portions of any operations.
5. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
6. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame; 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(i).
7. Violating any state law, specifically all local burning guidelines and 20.2.60.111 NMAC, Conditions for Restricted Open Burning related to state air quality, concerning burning, fires, or which is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire; 36 C.F.R. § 261.52. (k).
8. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 300 feet of the roadway and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads. 36 C.F.R. 261.56.
People are allowed to use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, or space-heating devices provided such devices meet the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) specifications for safety.
Please note the following information: On the Smokey Bear Ranger District - You CANNOT create or use a fire. You are allowed to use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, or space-heating devices provided such devices meet the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) specification for safety.
People CANNOT create or use a fire in the following Sacramento Ranger District developed campgrounds - James Canyon, Upper Karr, Lower Karr and Bluff Springs.
People are allowed to create a fire ONLY at the following identified Lincoln National Forest campgrounds or picnic areas using the provided fire rings or grills:
Sacramento Ranger District – Apache, Pines, Saddle, Lower & Upper Fir, Trestle Recreation Area, Deerhead, Sleepygrass, Slide, Aspen, Black Bear, Silver and Silver Overflow
Guadalupe Ranger District – Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area.
As always, fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest System lands.
The Villages of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Capitan, Cloudcroft, Sacramento, Weed, Timberon, and High Rolls look forward to the public visiting during this time or any time of the year. Camping, hiking, bike riding or enjoying a relaxing picnic within the local area or the Lincoln National Forest can be a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
For specific information on a particular area, please contact your local Lincoln National Forest or any National Forest office. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. For current fire restriction information on public lands in the southwest, please call 1-877-864-6985.
For additional information on Lincoln National Forest restrictions, please contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District Office at (575) 257-4095; the Sacramento Ranger District Office at (575) 682-2551, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Guadalupe Ranger District at (575) 885-4181, open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To contact New Mexico State Forestry, please call (505) 476-3336, open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To report a fire, call (575) 434-2286 or toll free 1-877-695-1663.
For fire restrictions and other fire information for all recreation sites in New Mexico, log on to http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc (http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc ) or http://www.nmfireinfo.com (http://www.nmfireinfo.com ) or http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/NM.php. (http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/NM.php. )
For more information on the Lincoln National Forest, please visit our website www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln.
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Date: May 8, 2009
BLM ORDER FOR LAS CRUCES DISTRICT FIRE RESTRICTIONS
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Las Cruces District Office
1800 Marquess St.
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
(575) 525-4300
FIRE PREVENTION ORDER #NM-030-09-01, EFFECTIVE MAY 15, 2009
FIRE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, LAS CRUCES DISTRICT OFFICE
Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 9212.2, because of continued very high to extreme fire hazard conditions, the following acts are prohibited on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered public land within the Las Cruces District Office area of New Mexico, until further notice. This includes BLM administered public land in Otero, Luna, Dona Ana, Sierra, Grant, and Hidalgo counties.
1. The burning of solid fuels except for: inside established campfire rings and grills within the Aguirre Springs Campground, La Cueva picnic area and Three Rivers Petroglyph and Picnic Area, and persons using petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices that meet Fire Underwriters’ Laboratories specifications
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
3. Discharging fireworks or using an explosive requiring fuse blasting caps.
4. Operating a chainsaw without an approved spark arrester and without a chemically pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounce capacity by weight, and one round point shovel. The extinguisher will be with the equipment operator. The shovel may be kept with fueling supplies but readily available for use.
5. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except within an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials at least 10 feet on all sides from equipment.
The restrictions are necessary due to the extreme fire danger from prolonged dry weather conditions.
Pursuant to 43 CFR 9212.2(a), the following persons are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a 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.
Violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $1000.00 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both.
Questions regarding this order should be addressed to the BLM Fire Management Officer, Steve Bumgarner, at (505) 525-4305 or the Las Cruces District Office at (505) 525-4300.
Done at Las Cruces, New Mexico, the 8th day of May, 2009.
Signed__________________________________________
Bill Childress
Manager, BLM Las Cruces District
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Date: May 6, 2009
LINCOLN SETS MAY 14 AS TENTATIVE DATE FOR STAGE TWO RESTRICTIONS
USDA Forest Service
Lincoln National Forest
3463 Las Palomas Road
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Contact: Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200
Terry DeLay (575) 434-7200
STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS – TENTATIVE DATE MAY 14, 2009
Alamogordo, NM (May 6, 2009) – “We’re looking at enacting Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for the whole forest tentatively effective on Thursday, May 14, 2009,” said Jacque Buchanan, Lincoln National Forest Supervisor. “Our decision is based on the recent lightening-caused fires as well as our patrols finding multiple abandoned campfires. Since the weather outlook calls for continued above normal temperatures, high winds and continued dry conditions, we feel it is necessary to take these precautions. We want our visitors to be use fire safely while enjoying their national forests.”
Stage II Restrictions include prohibition of:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, broiler, coal, or wood stove fire anywhere within the forest except at identified campground locations;
2. Smoking;
3. Using an explosive (including fireworks);
4. Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited from 10:00 am to 1:00 am;
5. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order;
6. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame;
7. And, 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.
People are allowed to use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, or space-heating devices provided such devices meet the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) specifications for safety.
People are allowed to create a fire ONLY at identified Lincoln National Forest campground or picnic area using the provided fire rings or grills.
The public and Forest personnel cannot prevent all wildfires, but we can take the lead on federal lands to reduce the severity and size of wildfires. Conditions this year are similar to last year and with no end in sight, we all should recognize these facts and ensure we do not let a wildfire start.
We need everyone’s help to keep our forest free from fires for the duration of this fire season. Never leave a campfire unattended. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished. Keep water and hand tools ready in case your fire should attempt to spread. Campfire safety is a year round concern.
As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forest lands and approved spark arresters are mandatory on all internal combustion engines.
For more information about the Lincoln National Forest, please visit our web site at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln ) or the Southwest Coordination Center, which provides fire information, logistics and predictive services at the following web site: http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/. (http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/. )
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Date: May 4, 2009
MORE PRESCRIBED BURNS PLANNED ON SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST
For Immediate Release May 1, 2009
CONTACT: DOLORES MAESE (505) 4.35-5321
LAWRENCE LUJAN (505) 435-5321
SPRING BURNING TO BEGIN ON THE SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST
(SANTA FE, NM)—Throughout the spring, fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest will begin treating multiple project areas with prescribed fire throughout the Forest, when weather conditions are favorable.
Coyote Ranger District
Mesa Camino Prescribed Burn – The Mesa Camino treatment area is located 7 miles northwest of Coyote, NM, 6 miles north of State Highway 96 near Forest Service Road 77 in the Mesa Alta area. The remaining acres to be treated on the 4,000 acre project area is approximately 1,350 acres. Fire managers plan to burn 50 to 300 acres per day, as weather permits throughout the month of May. Smoke released from the burn may be visible from the communities of Ghost Ranch, Rio Chama Monastery, Abiquiu and possibly Chama and Española. Ignitions on the Mesa Camino Burn are planned for Tuesday, May 5, 2009.
Gallina WUI Burn – The Gallina WUI treatment areas is 1-mile south of the community of Gallina off of State Highway 96. The remaining acres to be treated on the 3,500 acre project area is approximately 2,800 acres. Fire managers plan to burn 50 acres per day, as weather permits throughout the month of May. Smoke released from the burn may be visible from the communities of Ghost Ranch, Rio Chama Monastery, Abiquiu and possibly Chama and Española. Ignitions on the Gallina WUI Burn are planned for Tuesday, May 5, 2009.
Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District
Begoso Burn — The Begoso treatment area is located 14 miles southeast of Pecos, NM on the Rowe/Glorieta Mesa area. The treatment area is 2,700 acres and is divided into three small blocks. Fire managers plan to burn 150 acres per day, as weather permits throughout the month of May. Smoke released from the burn may be visible from the communities of Rowe, Pecos, Glorieta and possibly La Cueva. Ignitions on the Mesa Begoso Burn are planned for Wednesday, May 6, 2009.
Española Ranger District
La Sotella — The La Sotella treatment area is located 8 miles south of Abiquiu, NM. The treatment area is 6,500 acres and will be treated with both hand and aerial ignitions. Smoke released from the burn may be visible from the communities of Abiquiu, Santa Fe, Espanola, Tesuque, and Los Alamos. Ignitions on the La Sotella Burn are planned for Thursday, May 7, 2009.
For daily progress reports regarding ongoing prescribed burns on the Santa Fe National Forest, please call toll-free: 1-877-971-FIRE (3473).
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Date: April 27, 2009
SMALL FIRES DOT THE LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST
Contact: Margo Whitt (505) 362-7030
James Villard (575) 434-7200
LIGHTNING SPARKS SEVERAL SMALL FIRES ON THE SACRAMENTO RANGER DISTRICT
Alamogordo, NM (April 24, 2009) – Dry lightning strikes sparked seven small fires on the East side of the Sacramento Ranger District yesterday. The largest of those fires was the 23 acre Bell Fire, located four miles southeast of Weed, NM. Other fires ranged in size from ¼ acre to 10 acres. In all, almost 70 firefighters responded across the district.
“Firefighters were busy last night,” said James Villard, Forest Fire Management Officer. “Fortunately, their hard work paid off and they were able to knock all of these fires down before they had a chance to grow.”
These recent fires do serve as a reminder that fire season is upon us. Patrols by forest personnel are in place and will continue as the season progresses. However, it is also up to those who live in the area or visit the Lincoln National Forest to remember Smokey’s old adage “Only You can Prevent Wildfires!” As temperatures climb and the winds increase, remember to douse fireplace ashes and campfires, keep cigarette butts in the car, and keep vehicles on well-maintained roads at all times.
For more information on fire or the Lincoln National Forest, please review our website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln ) .
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Date: April 27, 2009
GILA NATIONAL FOREST WRAPS UP A NON-PRESCRIBED FIRE
For Immediate Release
Georgetown Fire Contained at 72 Acres
(Silver City, NM - April 27, 2009) - Gila National Forest and Grant County volunteer fire department personnel responded to the Georgetown fire late Saturday afternoon and worked into the night to contain the fire at 72 acres. The fire was reported on April 25th around 5:00 pm. As firefighters and equipment were being dispatched to the fire that started on the Gila National Forest – just two miles southwest of Georgetown, NM, it spread quickly through piñon juniper and grass. “It was a timely and coordinated response by firefighters with the right equipment that helped us contain the fire by 10:00 pm,” Incident Commander Leo Trujillo, stated, “there were several spot fires that jumped the control lines and kept us busy, but the combination of firefighters, engines and water tenders – working together, made all the difference,” he added. A total of 50 firefighters, ten engines, and four water tenders were on scene Saturday evening. On Sunday, firefighters focused their efforts on “mopping up” to extinguish flames and remove burning material from control lines.
There were no reports of damage to private property, although on several occasions, the fire had the potential of posing a threat to at least one home. Three firefighters with one engine were able to position themselves near the home – and, since the homeowner had completed a defensible space project on the property, the risk to the home and firefighters was reduced. Firefighter and public safety is of greatest importance during any wildland fire incident.
Applying “Firewise” concepts and creating defensible space can help reduce risks and hazards associated with wildfires.
No lightning was reported in the area and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Dry grass is especially susceptible of catching fire – from a variety of sources including improperly discarded cigarettes or charcoal; careless use of lighters, welders, or gas grills and stoves; and vehicle exhausts that may come in contact with tall, dry grass that is typically found along roadsides. A grass fire spreads quickly and can easily involve other types of vegetation or fuel. People are asked to remain vigilant and practice fire safety, at all times, and please make sure campfires are DEAD OUT!
For additional information, please contact the fire information officer at 575-388-8245
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Date: April 27, 2009
GILA NATIONAL FOREST COMPLETES LITTLE McKNIGHT PRESCRIBED BURN
Little McKnight Prescribed Fire
FINAL UPDATE - 04/26/09 - 5:30 pm
Firefighters have completed lighting operations on the Little McKnight Prescribed Fire.
5500 acres have been treated with prescribed fire. 15 firefighters are assigned to the project to patrol and monitor the area. Smoke emissions from the prescribed fire have diminished significantly over the last two days and should continue to subside.
For additional information, please call the fire information officer at 575-388-8245
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Date: April 14, 2009
IF IT'S SPRING, THERE'S PROBABLY A WILDFIRE SOMEWHERE - LIKE THE GILA NATIONAL FOREST
April 14, 2009
Wildfire Reported in the Gila Wilderness
Mimbres, NM—Firefighters are working to suppress a wildfire that is burning approximately 30 miles northeast of Glenwood, NM and three miles southeast of Snow Lake, in the Gila Wilderness. The fire is now 80% contained, which means that the fire will have limited growth due to fire spread. The Flying V fire was reported on April 10 and is currently 520 acres in size. It is burning in ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and grass. Two hotshot crews, the Gila Hotshots and Prescott Hotshots are assigned to the fire and are making progress. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Please practice fire safety tips during the current dry season and periodic high and persistent winds. You can help prevent wildfires by following these recommendations:
• Before leaving campsites and picnic areas, make sure that campfires are dead out!
• Hot charcoal briquettes coals should be cold and dead out prior to being discarded – keep them away from flammable vegetation! Use metal fire rings when they are provided.
• If you smoke, do so responsibly – use vehicle ashtrays and smoke in areas that are free of vegetation when smoking outdoors.
• Think smart! Don’t let wildfires start!
For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Annette Grijalva-Disert or District Fire Management Officer Robbie Gallardo at (575) 536-2250.
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Date: April 13, 2009
VALLE VIDAL PRESCRIBED BURN PLANNED BY CARSON NATIONAL FOREST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kathy De Lucas 575-758-6303
Dorotea Martinez 575-758-6345
VALLE VIDAL PRESCRIBED BURN
Taos, NM, April 10, 2009 - The Questa Ranger District of the Carson National Forest is planning implemention of a prescribed burn on the east side of the Valle Vidal beginning the last two weeks of April. Burning is contingent on weather conditions, resource availability and other parameters..
The Valle Vidal East project is comprised of 20,155 acres which will be treated in 2,000-acre lots over a 10-year period. Each burn will require approximately one week to complete. The first lot is located north of Forest Road 1950 and McCrystal Campground, east of Windy Gap, south of Vermejo Ranch and west of Whitman Vega with McCrystal Creek running through the center of the project area.
Vegetation is comprised of predominately ponderosa pine and grass. The purpose of the burn is to improve wildlife habitat by: decreasing the density of tree stands and increasing the diversity of tree size and age, restoration of meadows within ponderosa pine stands, and reducing the potential for high intensity stand replacing fire.
For more information please call Fire Information at 575-758-6345.
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Date: April 13, 2009
INDIAN PEAKS AREA TO GET PRESCRIBED BURNING BY GILA NATIONAL FOREST
Indian Peaks Prescribed Fire Scheduled for Week of April 20th
(Truth or Consequences, NM – April 11, 2009) – The Black Range Ranger District on the Gila National Forest is planning a prescribed fire in the Indian Peaks area, about 65 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences, NM and five miles northeast of Beaverhead Work Center. The planned start date is April 20th, if weather and fuel conditions are favorable.
Prescription parameters, or limits, outlined in the “burn plan” must be met in order to proceed with the burn. These parameters normally include the acceptable range of high and low temperatures, relative humidity (RH) and limits on wind speeds that can dictate starting, stopping, delaying or postponing burning operations. On the planned day of the burn, spot weather forecasts are taken on site and current weather and fuel conditions are measured and recorded. If any conditions fall outside of the parameters or guideline identified in the burn plan, then firefighters will not proceed with firing operations. A primary objective of this prescribed fire is to reduce the amount of vegetation that currently exists in the area. The overriding objective on all fire-related projects is always public and firefighter safety.
Firefighters plan to treat most of the 3700 acres that lie within the project boundary over the course of several days. Utilizing hand lighting, firefighters can easily “set the tempo or pace” of the burn by applying fire in specific areas in increments or stages. These methods of applying fire also help ensure a safe and controlled operation.
Please exercise caution when driving near the project, as smoke may limit visibility along the northern portion of State Highway 59. An increase in traffic may also occur as firefighting personnel work in and around the burn unit. If smoke is present, please drive with your lights on and reduce your speed. Residents in the area may experience some impact from smoke during this prescribed burn.
For additional information please visit the website: http://fs.usda.gov/gila (http://fs.usda.gov/gila ) or call (575) 894-6677.
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Date: April 6, 2009
NEXT GILA FOREST PRESCRIBED BURN PROJECT SET
Lincoln-Terry and Little McKnight Prescribed Fires Planned on the Wilderness Ranger District
Mimbres, NM—(April 5, 2009) The Wilderness Ranger District of the Gila National Forest is planning on conducting prescribed fire operations in the Lincoln-Terry and Little McKnight areas, between April 13th and April 25th 2009, if conditions are favorable.
The Lincoln-Terry prescribed fire project area is located in Lincoln Canyon on the east side of State Highway 35 and off of Forest Road 150. The Little McKnight project is located in the Powder Horn area on the west side of Forest Road 151 in the Mimbres Valley.
Total planned acreage to be treated with these prescribed fires is 7,000 acres.
Prescribed fires are typically conducted during early spring or fall in the southwest and only under specific conditions such as temperature, humidity; wind speed (i.e., during periods of low wind) when flame length and heat can be controlled; fuel moisture and condition of vegetation are carefully selected to ensure a safe and effective burn designed to maximize desired benefits. This information is compiled in the “burn plan” that is developed for each prescribed fire project.
Prescribed fire helps to reduce the amount of excessive fuels such as dead grass and pine needles that have accumulated on the ground; it minimizes the threat of large wildfires in this area; and improves wildlife habitat and watershed conditions.
“The Gila National Forest continues to effectively use prescribed fire to reduce excessive fuels in accordance with the National Fire Plan,” says Gallardo, fire management officer for the Wilderness Ranger District.
Firefighting personnel will be actively monitoring and overseeing the project. If conditions are not favorable, ignitions will be delayed or postponed.
Smoke from the prescribed fire activities may be visible during the day, and concentrations of smoke can occur in the early morning and evening hours. The Mimbres Valley and Lake Robert’s areas may be affected by some smoke, however it is expected to dissipate as light winds develop and daytime temperatures increase.
For more information about these projects, please contact Public Information Officer Annette Grijalva-Disert or District Fire Management Officer Robbie Gallardo at (575) 536-2250.
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Date: March 30, 2009
GILA NATIONAL FOREST COMPLETES SPRING BURN PROJECT
4/4/09 9:30 am
Firefighters have completed all ignition operations on the Willow Prescribed Fire project for this Spring (2009). Approximately 1500 acres were treated with prescribed fire during the past week.
About 30 firefighters were committed to the project during field operations. Ignition operations were conducted safely and were effective in reducing heavy fuels (vegetation). The area will be patrolled throughout the weekend.
The project is located 15 miles southwest of Silver City, NM, and south of the Oak Grove Subdivision in the Burro Mountains. Residual smoke may be visible through the weekend.
For additional information, please refer to the news release below or call the fire information officer at 575-388-8245.
LORETTA BENAVIDEZ
Fire Prevention & Education
Gila National Forest
3005 E. Camino Del Bosque
Silver City, NM 88061
(575) 388-8245 work
(575) 538-1426 cel
Willow Prescribed Fire Operations News Release
(Silver City, NM – March 26, 2009) – The Silver City Ranger District of the Gila National Forest plans to resume fire operations on the Willow prescribed fire project on Monday, March 30th, if weather conditions remain favorable. The project is located 15 miles southwest of Silver City, NM, in the Burro Mountains, and borders the southern boundary of the Oak Grove subdivision.
The objectives of the burn include reducing excessive amounts of vegetation that have accumulated over many years and treating an abundance of dry, dead grass that will be removed through the application of fire. An area of 200 acres was treated in December of 2008 with prescribed fire and the plans for the next phase, which will occur early next week, call for treating an additional 1,800 to 2,000 acres. The size of the entire project area totals 5,282 acres.
“We have been using prescribed fire on the Willow project over the last three years. By carefully applying fire to the fuels that pose threats and hazards because of their density and proximity to homes, we are able to minimize risks,” said Leroy Holguin, fire management officer for the Silver City Ranger District, “we will complete treatment of over 2,000 acres in this area and that is a significant accomplishment, especially since this project borders a subdivision,” he added.
Fire crews are hoping to complete ignitions within three to four days. If weather conditions change and become unfavorable for the prescribed fire, then ignitions will cease or be postponed.
Smoke will be generated during ignitions, but it is expected to dissipate as daytime temperatures increase. Any lingering smoke will be most notable at nighttime and during early morning hours.
For more information about the Willow prescribed fire project, please contact the public information officer at 575-538-1426 or visit the website at http://fs.usda.gov/gila (http://fs.usda.gov/gila )
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Date: March 25, 2009
BANDELIER RESCHEDULES PLANNED BURNING PROJECT
Bandelier National Monument Holds Off On Prescribed Burn
A scheduled 2-300 prescribed burn project on the eastern boundary of Bandelier National Monument has been postponed until currently windy conditions abate.
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Date: March 23, 2009
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST SCHEDULES PRESCRIBED BURN NEAR QUEEN
Contact: Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200 Chad Stewart (575) 434-7244
GUADALUPE RANGER DISTRICT TO CONDUCT PRESCRIBED BURN
Alamogordo, NM (March 23, 2009) – The Guadalupe Ranger District plans to implement the Red Lake Prescribed Burn 5000 acres starting March 24, 2009, weather conditions permitting. This broadcast prescribed burn will continue through March 31, 2009.
The Red Lake Prescribed Burn is in the Guadalupe Ranger District on the south side of Highway 137, southeast of the community of Queen. Residents in the Queen area will see and smell smoke and the “glow” from stump holes, heavier logs and other residual fuels. This may continue into nighttime hours. Smoke from the Red Lake Prescribed Burn may be visible from a great distance and may settle into lower elevations during nighttime hours.
The objective for this prescribed burn is part of the Southwestern Region’s Central Priority of restoring fire-adapted ecosystems, which includes reducing the risk of damaging fires and protection of private resources and communities. The burn will reduce pinyon juniper canopy and will increase the production of grasses, forbs and shrubs for foraging wildlife.
Signs will be posted along roadways affected by the smoke and motorists are urged to use caution. Weather and environmental conditions play a key role in the timing and accomplishing this project. As always, firefighter and public safety are the top priority.
For additional information, concerns or questions, please contact the Guadalupe Ranger District office Monday through Friday at (575) 885-4181 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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Date: March 20, 2009
GILA NATIONAL FOREST TO BEGIN IGNITIONS IN QUEMADO RANGER DISTRICT
CONTACT: Timothy Hendricks, Fuels Specialist, 575-773-4678
Ignitions to Begin on Gap II Prescribed Fire Project
(Quemado, New Mexico – March 20, 2009) - The Quemado Ranger District is planning to begin ignitions on the Gap II Prescribed Fire project, which is located about 12 miles southwest of Quemado, New Mexico, near the Sombra de Gallo subdivision. Ignitions will start on March 24, 2009, if conditions are favorable.
Firing operations for this 215 acre project are expected to last between one to two days. Specific parameters have been outlined in the “burn plan” that identify an acceptable range of weather and fuel conditions that must be met prior to ignitions. Any deviations outside of those ranges will cause ignitions to be delayed or postponed.
Firefighter and public safety is the primary objective of the project, while resource management objectives are focused on treating an abundance of fuels (mostly dead vegetation) which were generated during thinning projects that occurred in 2007. Prescribed fire will help promote the growth of non-woody plants that fuel the more natural, low intensity surface fires; provide conditions that support wildlife and livestock; and provide for watershed protection. Accomplishing these objectives will also increase protection of private property by reducing the chance of extreme fire behavior, in the event of a future occurrence of wildfire.
Areas near the projects may be affected by smoke, however, warm weather and light winds should help with the smoke dispersal.
For general information regarding fire activity on the Gila National Forest, please contact the public information officer at 575-388-8245 or visit the website: www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila.
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Date: March 10, 2009
CARSON FOREST LISTS PRESCRIBED BURN PROJECTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kathy De Lucas 575-758-6303
Dorotea Martinez 575-758-6345
West Zone Carson National Forest Prescribed Burns
Taos, NM, March 3, 2009 – The West Zone of theCarson National Forest is planning ignition of several prescribed burn projects during the next two to three months contingent on resources and weather conditions.
Red Mesa - located two miles south of Tres Piedras and will consist of broadcast and slash pile burning of 406 acres. Thinning was done in this area to restore healthy ponderosa pine stands by removing trees infected with dwarf mistletoe. The goal of this project is to reduce the potential threat of a wildfire to Highland Estates subdivision and the community of Tres Piedras.
Ignition of the first 100-acre block of piles is scheduled to begin tomorrow, March 3.
Ensenada - located three miles northwest of the community of Canon Plaza will consist of broadcast burning to treat 100 acres of thinning slash. The predominant fuel type within the project consists of ponderosa pine intermixed with white fir, Gamble oak and aspen stands.
The objective of this burn is to reduce natural and past logging fuel loadings and thus reduce the threat of catastrophic fire to local communities. This project will also increase forage productivity for domestic livestock and wildlife.
Comanche – located off of Forest Road 97, north of US Highway 285 will consist of broadcast burning of 1,300 acres of grass and sage vegetation. The objective is to reduce threat from wildfire to private and state property, natural resources and archaeological sites. Ignition is set for late March or early April.
Bixler - located Northwest of US Highway 64 and Forest Road 310 around Bixler Ranch. The purpose of this project is to reduce the hazardous fuel loadings of oak, pinon and juniper thickets and dead fuel on the forest floor. This will reduce the threat of wildfire to adjacent private property as well as oil and gas well sites and infrastructure. Opening the forest canopy will also help improve wildlife habitat.
For more information please contact fire information at 575-758-6345.
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Date: March 10, 2009
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST TO BURN SLASH PILES IN RENDIJA CANYON AREA
Santa Fe National Forest Prescribed Burn/Wildfire Update for Tuesday, March 10th
Espanola Ranger District Fire managers planned to treat (burn) piles of thinned material in the Rendija Canyon area, directly north of Los Alamos from March 11-13, 2009 but weather conditions caused postponement until wetter conditions permit starting the project.
Valle II -- (Rendija) Prescribed Burn Project, Espanola Ranger District
Fire managers plan to burn 15 acres of piles of thinned material as weather conditions allow over a 3-day period;
The area is on the north slope of Ildefonso Road. There are snow patches within the area of the piles to be treated;
Removing these piles of thinned material will reduce the risk of catastrophic fire by minimizing the probability of crown fire in the area and will enhance forest health;
Smoke will be visible from Los Alamos.
CONTACT:
Dolores Maese
Public Affairs Officer
Santa Fe National Forest
(505) 438-7877 office; (505) 470-0368 cell
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Date: March 9, 2009
CIBOLA SETS RESTRICTIONS IN MANZANO, GALLINA MOUNTAINS
FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FOR THE MOUNTAINAIR RANGER DISTRICT BEGINNING MARCH 9, 2009
Mountainair, NM, March 5, 2009 - The Mountainair Ranger District will implement Fire Restrictions effective 8:00 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2009. Mountainair District Ranger Karen Lessard remarked, "With the lack of precipitation this winter, we are going into restrictions earlier than ever.” Stage I Fire Restrictions will be in effect for the Mountainair District which includes the Manzano and Gallinas units. Those restrictions are as follows:
Open Campfire Restrictions:
• Campfires, charcoal grills and stove fires are prohibited on national forest lands, except in Forest Service developed camp and picnic grounds where grills are provided.
• Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed.
Smoking Restrictions:
• Smoking is allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building; a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter and free of all flammable material.
Fireworks:
• As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forest lands.
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Date: March 6, 2009
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST CONSIDERING POSSIBLE RESTRICTIONS
Contact: Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200
Chad Stewart (575) 434-7200
SPARSE SNOW AND RAIN WARRANT FIRE SAFETY REMINDER
Alamogordo, NM (March 4, 2009) – Lincoln National Forest personnel have been monitoring conditions across the forest to help determine the need to consider implementing fire restrictions on the Lincoln National Forest. Rain and snow have been almost non-existent in the 2008-2009 winter season. As spring approaches, the chances for precipitation will decline until a Monsoon pattern sets up in either late June or early July.
“We are potentially looking at an earlier than normal fire season” said Jacque Buchanan, Lincoln National Forest Supervisor. “Weather predictions are indicating limited precipitation and above normal temperatures for the coming months, which could bring an early fire season,” she said. “We are reviewing the conditions on the ground along with the weather predictions on a daily basis to ensure that we make the most informed decision as possible in regard to restrictions or closures. If conditions continue in the current trend of hot and dry, we will possibly be in restrictions within a couple of weeks.”
The fire danger signs posted along the highways leading to the Lincoln have been signed “high” or “very high” since late winter. These signs help remind the public of the current wildland wildfire conditions.
“We have been developing and conducting prescribed burns on the Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger Districts. Weather permitting, the Lincoln National Forest will continue to reduce the dry grasses, brush and small diameter hazardous fuels through treatments,” said Fire Staff Officer, Chad Stewart. “These prescribed burns play a vital role in removing excess fuels and will reduce the risk of damage to people, property and ecosystems,” he said.
The Southwest is in need of precipitation and the forecast does not offer much improvement. Jacque Buchanan would like to remind the public to please be fire safe when recreating within the Lincoln National Forest.
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Date: March 2, 2009
Park Service Plans Burn At Capulin Volcano
For Immediate Release Christopher R. Moos, Superintendent
Prescribed Fire Planned at Capulin Volcano National Monument
Superintendent Christopher Moos announced the monument plans to burn approximately 230 acres in the park during the period of March 4 through March 9, 2009. Burns will involve the grassland area on the north side of the entrance to the park known as the Boca, the base of the volcano along the northern boundary of the park and the interior of the crater. Fire crews from New Mexico, Texas and Colorado will conduct the burn when the weather meets the conditions set in the fire prescription.
This burn is the next step for implementing the Fire Management Plan (FMP) for the monument. Manual thinning of brush occurred during the summer of 2008. Crews cut pinyon, juniper, oak, and mountain mahogany on the base of the volcano to reduce the fuel load and the chance of wildfire in the monument.
Fire history data suggest a declining fire frequency by the late 1800s, as suppression activities interrupted natural fire cycles. Fuel loads and tree density have increased. Management intervention is needed to reduce the risk to life, property, and resources from wildland fire. Fire, as an ecological process, has been excluded from the Monument which has contributed to the decrease in species and habitat diversity.
This prescribed, controlled fire will help to restore native prairie grasslands by reducing woody vegetation, prevent catastrophic fires by reducing excess fuels, and help control invasive plants by restoring a more natural fire cycle.
Capulin Volcano National Monument, a unit of the National Park System, is located 3 miles north of the town of Capulin, NM, 30 miles east of Raton, NM and 56 miles west of Clayton, NM on Highway 64/87. For additional information contact Capulin Volcano National Monument at (575) 278-2201.
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Date: November 20, 2008
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE GILA NATIONAL FOREST
November 20, 2008
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Please announce during daytime programming on
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
(November 20, 21 and 22, 2008)
--The Willow Prescribed Fire is in progress -- it is located about 15 miles southwest of Silver City, (NM), in the Burro Mountains of the Gila National Forest.
--Ignition operations will result in smoke that may be visible from Silver City and surrounding areas.
--If weather and fuel conditions remain favorable, crews will continue burning operations, possibly through the weekend.
--The fire is NOT posing any threat to private property or structures.
--Smoke will be present during the next few days, and will be most concentrated during night-time and early morning hours.
--People who are sensitive to smoke are encouraged to limit their outdoor activities and to keep doors and windows closed. Travelers should use caution if they encounter smoke, while traveling on Highway 180 west of Silver City.
--For more information please call the Public Information Officer at 575-538-1426.
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Date: November 14, 2008
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUES FUEL MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
Santa Fe National Forest Prescribed Notification for Friday, November 14
CONTACT: Lawrence Lujan, 505-438-7628
Next week, fire managers are planning to continue treating hazardous fuels with prescribed fire within the Chaparral or Eureka Mesa prescribed burn areas on the Cuba Ranger District.
Chaparral Prescribed Burn – The Chaparral burn is fuels reduction project designed to reduce the threat of wildfire to the nearby community of Seven Springs as well as improve forest health. The treatment area is located a ½ mile west of Seven Springs, 9 miles northwest of Jemez Springs. Fire managers plan to burn 300 acre blocks per day. Smoke released from the burn will be visible in the communities of Jemez Springs, La Cueva, Seven Springs, Fenton Lake and Cuba.
Eureka Mesa Prescribed Burn – The Eureka Mesa burn is hazardous fuels reduction project designed to reduce the threat of wildfire to the nearby community of Deer Lake Estates as well as improve the forest health. The treatment area is located 5 miles east of Cuba. Fire managers plan to burn 100 acre blocks per day. Smoke released from the burn will be visible from many directions around the communities of Cuba, Deer Lake Estates, La Jara, Regina, Torreon and Highway 550.
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Date: October 30, 2008
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST BURNING UPDATES
Santa Fe National Forest Prescribed Burn Update for Thursday, October 30, 2008, 1 p.m.
Santa Fe National Forest fire mangers are treating the following three areas with prescribed fire today:
Chaparral Prescribed Burn, Cuba Ranger District
Ignitions began this afternoon at 12:24 p.m.
Fire managers plan on treating (burning) up to 300 acres today. The Chaparral burn is a project designed to reduce the threat of wildfire to the nearby community of Seven Springs, as well as to improve forest health. The treatment area is located ½ mile west of Seven Springs, 9 miles northwest of Jemez Springs. Smoke released from the burn may be visible in the communities of Jemez Springs, La Cueva, Seven Springs, Fenton Lake and Cuba.
Blanco Prescribed Burn, Espanola Ranger District
Today, fire managers are planning to treat 1,200 acres aerially with a helicopter. An aerial ignition device attached to a helicopter will be used to drop polystyrene balls (ping-pong balls) to treat hazardous fuels within the interior of the burn area. This method of burninG allows for treatment of more acres within a day than could otherwise be treated by hand ignitions.
The Blanco burn is located about 10 miles west of Espanola and Espanola Valley, north of Forest Road 144, south of Rio Oso, west of Clara Pk. The Blanco burn is a 1,285-acre project designed to reduce fuel loading(amount of woody material within an area) which, in turn, will reduce the risk of intense wildfires and the threat of wildfires to property and natural resources. Blacklining (pre-treatment) of boundaries has been completed.
Today's burning will involve greater acreage and more fuel than in the past. Thus, it can be expected to produce more smoke. Smoke will be visible from U.S. 285, Espanola and Espanola Valley including San Juan Pueblo, Chili, Hernandez, El Duende, Chuachia, Mendanales, Santa Clara Pueblo, Los Alamos, Pojoaque, Santa Fe.
Gallina, Coyote Ranger District
Ignitions began this afternoon at 12:15 p.m. Fire managers plan on treating (burning) up to 100 acres today. The Gallina Wildland Urban Interface project area is located 1-mile south of the community of Gallina off of State Highway 96. Smoke released from the burn may be visible from the communities of Ghost Ranch, Rio Chama Monastery, Abiquiu and possibly Chama and Española.
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Ongoing Santa Clara Pueblo Prescribed Burn:
Turkey Flats Prescribed Burn
Santa Clara Pueblo is began a 310 acre prescribed burn today and will continue burning through the weekend weather allows. The Turkey Flats Burn is located 10 Miles West of the Espanola, NM, 35 miles NW of Santa Fe.
For more information on the Turkey Flats Burn, please call the Santa Clara Pueblo Forestry Department at 505-753-7326.
For daily updates regarding ongoing prescribed burns on the Santa Fe National Forest, please call our toll-free (recorded message):
1-877-971-FIRE (3473).
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Date: October 30, 2008
GILA NATIONAL FOREST ADDRESSING WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE NEAR RESERVE
Prescribed Fire Near Rancho Grande Subdivision Underway
(Reserve, NM – October 30, 2008) – The Reserve Ranger District of the Gila National Forest began ignition on the 1,500 acre Reserve Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) prescribed fire Monday, October 27, 2008. To date fire personnel, including assistance from Rancho Grande Volunteer Fire Department, Catron County Law Enforcement, and N.M. Department of Transportation, successfully treated 200 of the 1,500 planned acres. Burn blocks A and B, closest to the subdivision have been completed and crews are currently monitoring the area. Due to weather conditions on October, 29, 2008 the fire has been postponed until November 3, 2008.
The Reserve WUI fire will resume Monday, November 3 and will continue throughout the week, fire and weather conditions permitting. Burn block C will be the last and largest area of the project to be completed, and is located approximately one mile south of the Rancho Grande Subdivision.
The objective of the Reserve WUI project is to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire to the forest and community by removal of surface fuels (pine needles, grass) and ladder fuels (bushes, limbs) to reduce risk to life, property, and natural resources. The prescribed fire contains large amounts of fuel accumulations and a high concentration of ponderosa pine which can contribute to unwanted fire.
Smoke from the prescribed fire will linger in the vicinity of the prescribed fire at night and early morning. Smoke is expected to disperse daily as daytime temperatures increase. Visibility along US Highway 180 due to smoke may be limited during burning operations and may result in short travel delays of up to 15 minutes. Please use caution as fire personnel and equipment will be working on and alongside the Highway.
For further information, please contact the Reserve Ranger District at (575) 533-6231 or visit the website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila.
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Date: October 29, 2008
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST PRESCRIBED BURN UPDATE
Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 5 p.m.
Chaparral Prescribed Burn, Cuba Ranger District
Fire managers treated 200 acres today. The Chaparral burn is a project designed to reduce the threat of wildfire to the nearby community of Seven Springs, as well as to improve forest health.
The treatment area is located ½ mile west of Seven Springs, 9 miles northwest of Jemez Springs. Smoke released from the burn may be visible in the communities of Jemez Springs, La Cueva, Seven Springs, Fenton Lake and Cuba.
Blanco Prescribed Burn, Espanola Ranger District - Planned for tomorrow, Thursday, October 30, 2008
Fire managers plan to use aerial ignition, a helicopter with an aerial ignition device to drop polystyrene balls (ping-pong balls) to treat hazardous fuels within the interior of the burn area (1200 acres). This method of burning allows for treatment of more acres within a day than could otherwise be treated by hand ignition.
The Blanco burn is located about 10 miles west of Espanola and Espanola Valley, north of Forest Road 144, south of Rio Oso, west of Clara Pk. This is a 1,285-acre project designed to reduce fuel loading (amount of woody material within an area) which, in turn, will reduce the risk of intense wildfires and the threat of wildfires to property and natural resources;
Blacklining (pre-treatment) of boundaries has been completed. Smoke will be visible from Espanola and Espanola Valley including San
Juan Pueblo, Chili, Hernandez, El Duende, Chuachia, Mendanales, Santa Clara Pueblo, Los Alamos, Pojoaque, Santa Fe
Gallina--Planned for tomorrow, October 30, 2008
The Gallina Wildland Urban Interface project area is located 1-mile
south of the community of Gallina off of State Highway 96. Fire managers plan on treating (burning) up to 100 acres. Smoke released from the burn may be visible from the communities of Ghost Ranch, Rio Chama Monastery, Abiquiu and possibly Chama and Española.
For daily updates regarding ongoing prescribed burns on the Santa Fe National Forest, please call our toll-free (recorded message); 1-877-971-FIRE (3473).
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dolores Maese
Public Affairs Officer
Santa Fe National Forest
(505) 438-7877 office; (505) 470-0368 cell
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Date: October 24, 2008
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST STARTS SERIES OF CONTROLLED BURN PROJECTS
Contact: Pam Bostwick – (575) 682-2551
Joe Garcia – (575) 434-7200
SACRAMENTO RANGER DISTRICT BROADCAST BURNS
Alamogordo, NM (October 24, 2008) – The Sacramento Ranger District plans to resume broadcast burns beginning the week of October 27, 2008. The first of these burns will be the Forks Broadcast burn located five miles northeast of Cloudcroft, NM, and is 64 acres in size.
A series of larger broadcast burns will follow during the months of November and December, weather conditions permitting. The Martinez Broadcast burn is south and west of High Rolls and is 700 acres in size. The Jayhill Broadcast burn is west of Mayhill and is approximately 600 acres in size. The Hog Broadcast burn is 700 acres in size and is located near the community of 16 springs.
Motorists and residents in proximity to these areas may see and smell smoke during the duration of these burns.
Motorists are advised to use caution on roads affected by smoke.
The objective for this prescribed burn is part of the Southwestern Region’s Central Priority of restoring fire-adapted ecosystems, which includes reducing the risk of crown fires and protection of private resources and communities.
Signs will be posted along highways affected by the smoke and motorists are urged to use caution. Forest Service personnel will also be posting current information regarding progress of the burns for communities and residents in the area. As always, firefighter and public safety are the top priority.
For additional information, concerns or questions, please contact the Sacramento Ranger District Office at (575) 682-2551, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Date: October 22, 2008
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUES FALL BURNING PROJECTS
Santa Fe National Forest Prescribed Burn/Wildfire Update
Blanco Prescribed Burn, Espanola Ranger District--Blacklining Continuing Today
The Blanco burn is located about 10 miles west of Espanola and Espanola Valley, north of Forest Road 144, south of Rio Oso, west of Clara Pk. This is a 1,285-acre project designed to reduce fuel loading (amount of woody material within an area) which, in turn, will reduce the risk of intense wildfires and the threat of wildfires to property and natural resources;
Fire managers will be black-lining the boundaries of the burn area. Blacklining is the pre-burning of woody material on the ground adjacent to control lines. Pre-burning helps to lessen the chance of embers drifting away and starting a “spot fire” across from fire control lines, during prescribed burning activities .
Smoke may be visible from Espanola and Espanola Valley including San Juan Pueblo, Chili, Hernandez, El Duende, Chuachia, Mendanales, Santa Clara Pueblo, Los Alamos, Pojoaque, and Santa Fe.
Chaparral Prescribed Burn, Cuba Ranger District--Began ignitions this
morning approx. 10:30 a.m.
The Chaparral burn is a 1600 acre hazardous fuels reduction project designed to reduce the threat of wildfire to the nearby community of Seven Springs as well as improve forest health. The treatment area is located a ½ mile west of Seven Springs, 9 miles northwest of Jemez Springs. Fire managers plan to burn 300 acre blocks per day. Smoke released from the burn will be visible in the communities of Jemez Springs, La Cueva, Seven Springs, Fenton Lake and Cuba.
For daily updates regarding ongoing prescribed burns on the Santa Fe National Forest, please call our toll-free (recorded message): 1-877-971-FIRE (3473)
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Date: September 3, 2008
Closure Orders Still in Effect in the Manzano Mountains
Mountainair , NM – September 3, 2008: As hunting seasons approach, the public is reminded that several closures remain in effect on the Manzano Mountains . Closure Orders include Order #03-0244 for the Trigo Fire and Order #03-0236 for the Ojo Peak Fire. The Big Spring Fire continues to be under an Emergency Fire Closure with a closure order to be in place within the next two weeks. The purpose of these orders and closures is to protect resources and to provide for public health and safety.
Order #03-0244 and #03-0236 and the Big Spring Emergency Fire Closure officially prohibit any person from going into or being upon National Forest System lands, roads or trails within the Ojo Peak , Trigo and Big Spring Fire areas.
The closure areas include:
• Forest Road #245 from the Forest Boundary to Capilla Peak Campground
• Forest Road #422 from Red Canyon Campground to Pine Shadow Trailhead
• Forest Road #275 from the forest boundary to Forest Road #422
• Forest Road #522 from Forest Road #275 to Forest Road #253
• Forest Road #553( Bartolo Canyon Road ) from the forest boundary to its terminus
• New Canyon and Capilla Peak Campgrounds • New Canyon Trail and Trailhead
• Crest Trail from Trail Canyon Trail to Spruce Canyon Trail
• Gavilan Trail
• Salas Trail from Comanche Trailhead to Spruce Spring Trail
• Ox Canyon Trail and Trailhead
• Pine Shadow , Cottonwood , Kayser Mill, Ox Canyon Trails and Trailheads
• All Non-National Forest system roads and trails within the Ojo Peak and Trigo rehabilitation areas are included in these closure orders.
Persons exempt from this order include:
• Persons with a permit specifically exempting them from the effect of these orders
• Owners or lessees of private land with in the Ojo Peak , Trigo and Big Spring Fire areas to extent necessary to gain access to their land
• Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
These orders shall remain in effect until rescinded or until December 31, 2008, whichever event occurs first. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor or by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or both.
o view the actual closure orders and maps, please visit: www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/mountainair.shtml or for further information about the closures, please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at (505)847-2990.
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Date: August 28, 2008
BLM TO DO SOME CONTROLLED BURNING NEAR FORT STANTON
For Immediate Release
August 28, 2008
For Additional Information
Larry Ashley 575.627.0314
BLM to Start Prescribed Burns Near Fort Stanton Beginning September 2nd
Roswell - The Bureau of Land Management will be conducting several prescribed burns on BLM-administered public lands southwest of Sierra Blanca Regional Airport beginning September 2nd, weather permitting. The project will continue through the fall and early winter until completed.
The burns will eliminate juniper slash piles that were created from previous thinning projects. Thinning followed by pile burning reduces the amount of vegetation available to wildfire and increases the health of the native woodlands.
As always, firefighter and public safety is paramount. Signs to alert the public of the burn operations will be posted and public access into the area is discouraged. Smoke may be visible for short durations from Ft Stanton, Capitan, Ruidoso and surrounding communities.
For more information, contact the BLM Roswell Field Office at (575) 627-0314.
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Date: August 26, 2008
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST MONITORS WILDLAND FIRE FOR USE IN "CLEANING UP" LANDS NEAR COYOTE
Alta Wildland Fire Use Fire, Coyote RD
The Alta Fire started by lightning Friday, August 8th, and is now at 800
acres in size. The fire is located 3 miles northwest of Coyote, NM and
is currently slowing burning west of Forest Road 77 in a
north/northwesterly direction.
Coyote RD fire managers continue to manage the Alta Fire as a Wildland Fire Use Fire.
A wildland fire use fire is a naturally-ignited(lightning) fire that is allowed to burn naturally under managed conditions for resource benefits. The fire plays a natural role, acting as a broom that cleans the forest floor of hazardous fuels, which recycles nutrients into the soil.
There is no threat to private property or structures.
There are no official road or trail closures in effect, however, fire managers are asking forest visitors to avoid camping near the fire area for the next few weeks, as the fire is expected to slowly grow.
Smoke from the Alta Fire is visible from Abiquiu Dam, Coyote, and
Youngsville, NM.
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Date: August 7, 2008
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST RE-OPENS SOME DOLLY-FLOODED AREAS
Contact: Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200
Buck Sanchez (575) 257-4095
AREAS AFFECTED BY DOLLY REMNANTS TO REOPEN
Alamogordo, NM (August 7, 2008) – Lincoln National Forest officials are going to reopen part of the closed portions of the Smokey Bear Ranger District affected by the remnants of Dolly. The areas were closed due to flood damage and the associated hazards. The affected areas closed on July 27, 2008, were lands north of U.S. 70 and west of N.M. State Highways 48 and 37 and Forest Road 9038D north of NM State Highway 380, in the general vicinity of lower Salazar Canyon. Also reopening for public use is Three Rivers Campground as well as Nogal, Bonito, Eagle, Cedar Creek, Perk/Brady, Grindstone, and Sawmill Canyons.
Ski Run Road (State Highway 532) starting at mile marker 2 will remain closed until repairs are completed. Forest Road 127A and Oak Grove Campground will remain closed.
The City of Alamogordo is reopening the following campgrounds in the Bonito area: West Lake, Blue Hole/ Apple Orchard and Lower pasture. The large meadow area on Lincoln National Forest lands adjacent to Big Bear Canyon will be closed to public access due to flooding. Forest officials are asking the public to please stay out of this area.
The remaining portion of the Smokey Bear Ranger District is open and available for use.
Forest officials would like to remind visitors to southeastern New Mexico that this is the season for heavy rainfall. There is still a potential for flooding to occur due to saturated lands.
Public safety is first and foremost during your visit to Lincoln National Forest and City of Alamogordo public lands. Please plan accordingly.
This area Closure Order will be effective August 8, 2008, at 8:00 a.m., and will remain in effect until further notice.
For additional information about the Forest Service, please contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District Office at (575) 257-4095.
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Date: July 29, 2008
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST FLOODING CAUSES PARTIAL CLOSURE
U.S. FOREST SERVICE CLOSES PARTS OF SMOKEY BEAR RANGER DISTRICT DUE TO FLOODING
Alamogordo, NM (July 29, 2008) – Lincoln National Forest officials are going to close portions of the Smokey Bear Ranger District, due to flood related damage and associated hazards. This includes areas that are north of U.S 70 and west of NM State Highways 48 and 37. There is one localized road closure, Forest Road 9038D north of NM State 380, in the general vicinity of lower Salazar Canyon. There will be an exception to this closure area, the Cedar Creek area where developed Forest Service recreation facilities will remain open, namely the Fitness Trail, Cedar Creek Picnic Area and Pavilion, and Sam Tobias Group Campgrounds 1, 2, and 3. The remaining portion of the Smokey Bear Ranger District that are general north of State Highway 380 and east of Ruidoso will remain open.
Forest officials are asking the public to stay out of the following closed areas: Three Rivers Campground as well as Nogal, Bonito, Eagle (including Ski Run Road State Highway 532), Cedar Creek, Perk/Brady, Grindstone, and Sawmill Canyons.
Road conditions have deteriorated due to unusually heavy rainfall amounts and flooding that occurred in the area. A 300 foot portion of Forest Road 107 that leads to dispersed camping areas past Bonito Lake has been washed away.
Lincoln National Forest and Lincoln County law enforcement officials are aware that there are other Forest visitors that are located beyond washouts and blocked roads. Concerned relatives should contact (575) 257-4116, with the names, vehicle description, and a detailed description of the location of the affected party. Forest personnel, local agency and public safety are first and foremost during any actions taken during this relief effort.
An Area Closure Order will be effective July 29, 2008, at 8:00 a.m., and will remain in effect until further notice. This Order includes roads, trails and campgrounds.
Many of the major access roads to the identified areas may have been impacted due to flooding. Many culverts are blocked by flood debris resulting in water over the roadways. The area has experienced over nine inches of rain since Friday.
Forest officials are working closely with local law enforcement and emergency management officials to respond to a rapidly changing situation and to provide for public safety. Road crews and Forest employees are currently assessing conditions and are responding to flood damage on major roads. As conditions improve and flood waters recede, crews will work to restore access where it can be done safely. Forest conditions are changing rapidly and crews are in the field assessing the situation and conducting repairs as they can.
For additional information about the Forest Service, please contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District Office at (575) 257-4095.
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Date: July 16, 2008
BLM LANDS IN SOUTHEASTERN NM NOW OUT OF RESTRICTIONS
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Bureau of Land Management Roswell Field Office2909 W. 2nd St Roswell, NM 88201
Bureau of Land Management Carlsbad Field Office 620 E. Greene St. Carlsbad, NM 88220
RELEASE DATE: July 16, 2008 CONTACTS:
BLM – Roswell Field Office – Chuck Schmidt (575) 627-0310 or
BLM -Carlsbad Field Office – Ty Bryson (575) 234-5957
FIRE RESTRICTIONS LIFT FOR PECOS DISTRTICT; BLM-CARLSBAD &
ROSWELL FIELD OFFICE’S JULY 17
Due to decreased fire danger conditions in south eastern New Mexico, area land managers announced that fire restrictions on public lands will be lifted at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2008. Stage 1 fire restrictions will be lifted from public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roswell and Carlsbad Field Office’s and includes lands within the following counties: Chaves, Lea, Eddy, Roosevelt, Guadalupe and De Baca. This means there are no longer restrictions on using open campfires on BLM lands in New Mexico.
Recent rains and cooler temperatures have lessened the fire danger to a point where fire restrictions are no longer needed. Visitors to Federal and State Lands are encouraged to carry an axe, shovel, 1-5 gallons of water, and a fire extinguisher. “Even with this moisture, there is still a chance of a wildfire being ignited from careless action, so please be cognizance of your surroundings,” said Ty Bryson, Fire Management Officer, BLM-Carlsbad Field Office, “the public has been very patient during this year’s closures and fire restrictions and we would like to say thank you for your understanding.”
More information is available by contacting your local BLM offices.
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Date: July 11, 2008
CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST DROPS MOST CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS JULY 11TH
FIRE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED ON THE CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST
KIOWA AND RITA BLANCA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS STILL IN RESTRICTIONS
ALBUQUERQUE, July 10, 2008 - Cibola National Forest officials will end Fire Restrictions for the Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena and Mt. Taylor Ranger Districts effective Friday, July 11th at 8 a.m. Fire danger has decreased due to moisture and higher humidity over much of the Forest. Although restrictions are lifted, visitors are reminded to be careful with their campfires and/or the use of chainsaws.
Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose thanks the public for their patience and support during restrictions. “The restrictions effectively minimized fire occurrence, which could have resulted in high losses. I would like to commend all our firefighters for maintaining their state of readiness and efficiency during initial attack efforts on all fires. The community has been exceptional in supporting the restrictions and closures. We would like to thank everyone for their patience,” said Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose.
The public is reminded that campfire safety is still of concern year round, they need to follow fire safety precautions when recreating in the forest. If you have a campfire, please abide by the following rules:
• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, pine needles and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire.
• Clear the area down to bare soil.
• Keep your campfire safe and small, especially when it's windy.
• Never leave your campfire unattended.
• Drown the fire with water & dirt, stir remains, add more water and dirt, and stir again.
• Do not bury coals as they can smolder and re-ignite later.
• Make sure your fire is dead out before leaving.
• The use of fireworks of any kind is strictly prohibited on all National Forest lands.
As a reminder the following closure and restrictions are still in effect for the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands:
• Mills Canyon on the Kiowa National Grasslands remains closed because of extreme fire danger
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove are prohibited.
• Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed anywhere on the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands.
Restrictions:
• Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed recreation site.
• As always, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.
For current fire restriction information, visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola. For fire restrictions and other fire information for recreation sites in New Mexico, log on to www.nmfireinfo.com.
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Date: July 10, 2008
NM STATE FORESTRY ENDING RESTRICTIONS JULY 11TH
NEWS RELEASE: July 8, 2008
Contact: Dan Ware, Public Relations Coordinator 505-476-3336
State Forestry to Lift Statewide Fire Restrictions
Santa Fe - The New Mexico State Forestry Division has announced it plans to lift its smoking, firework, campfire and open fire restrictions for New Mexico, initially imposed on April 11th and revised on June 13, 2008. The rescission will take affect on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 8 a.m.
This action will include restrictions imposed at all New Mexico State Parks. This rescission does not affect any restrictions or closures imposed by federal agencies on federal public lands or local government restrictions imposed on its public lands.
“Now that more moisture is moving into New Mexico, we feel that the restrictions imposed in 28 counties across the state can be lifted,” said New Mexico State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer. “We appreciate residents’ and visitors’ adherence to the restrictions while they were in place and believe they helped reduced the number of human-caused wildfires Increased moisture across New Mexico and fewer large fires indicate that fire danger is lower and is expected to decrease.
The State Forestry Division will continue to monitor fire danger across the state and may implement restrictions again, if conditions worsen.
Drought conditions still exist across many parts of the state and New Mexico State Forestry urges all state residents and visitors to continue to be extremely cautious with fire.
So far, during calendar year 2008, New Mexico State Forestry and its interagency partners have responded to more than 826 fires, which have burned more than 350,125 acres.
For more information regarding fire restrictions in New Mexico, log onto www.nmforestry.com.
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Date: July 9, 2008
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST AND BLM IN SOUTHEASTERN NM LIFTING AND LIGHTENING RESTRICTIONS
RELEASE DATE: July 9, 2008
CONTACT: BLM, Roswell Field Office – Chuck Schmidt(575)627-0310 or USFS – Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200 or
NM State Forestry – Dan Ware (505) 476-3336
Written by: Jennifer Myslivy, BLM
Fire Restrictions Lifting For Lincoln National Forest and BLM-Roswell Field Office July 11
Due to decreased fire danger conditions in southeastern New Mexico, area land managers announced that fire restrictions on public lands will be lifted at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2008. Fire restrictions will be lifted from public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) Roswell Field Office (Fort Stanton Area of Critical Environmental Concern), New Mexico State Forestry, and the Lincoln National Forest within Lincoln, Eddy and Otero Counties.
The Stage 1 Fire Restriction notices are still good in the lower
elevations, which include BLM lands within the Roswell and Carlsbad Field Offices (Pecos District) in the following counties: Chaves, Lea, Eddy, Roosevelt, Guadalupe and De Baca counties until that order is rescinded.
Recent rains and cooler temperatures have decreased the fire danger to
a point where fire restrictions are no longer needed. Jacqueline Buchanan, Lincoln National Forest Supervisor said, “We would like to say thank you to the public and communities for their cooperation during the closure and enforced fire restrictions. But, this does not mean we let our guard down.
Continue to practice safe fire use all year round.” This means there are no longer restrictions on using open campfires on lands in the higher elevations of New Mexico.
“We would like the public to know that it is still very important that
care be used with fire and adequate precautions taken to prevent
wildfires,” stated Eddie Bateson, Field Manager Roswell Field Office.
Visitors to Federal and State Lands are encouraged to carry an axe, shovel, 1-5 gallons of water, and a fire extinguisher. “Even with this moisture there is still a chance of a wildfire being ignited from careless action, so please be cognizant of your surroundings,” said Eddie Tudor, District Forester, NM State Forestry, “The public has been very patient during this year’s closures and fire restrictions and we would like to say thank you for your understanding.”
More information is available by contacting local BLM, Forest Service,
or New Mexico State Forestry offices.
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Date: July 9, 2008
GILA NATIONAL FOREST ANNOUNCES END OF FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Gila National Forest Lifts FIRE AND SMOKING Restrictions
(Silver City, NM – July 8, 2008) – Gila National Forest managers announced today that the Stage I Fire and Smoking Restrictions that became effective on June 11 of this year will be lifted effective Wednesday morning, July 9, at 12:01 am. In early June, a combination of factors led to the decision to proceed with Stage I restrictions. Acting Fire Staff Officer Fred Hernandez attributed the decision to the forest approaching the driest time of year and providing for public and firefighter safety during the dry season.
During the implementation of Fire and Smoking Restrictions from June 11 to July 9 when the restrictions will be lifted, only three human-caused fires were reported! This was a significant drop in the number of human-caused fires that could easily have led to large, catastrophic wildland fires! The significant decrease in human-caused fires also allowed firefighters to concentrate on the lightning-caused fires during the peak fire season period. “We thank the public for complying with the restrictions during the past month. This demonstrates a collective effort in helping to protect the Gila National Forest and surrounding communities,” said Forest Supervisor Dick Markley. “Fire and smoking restrictions also add an increased measure of safety for the public and firefighters,” Markley added.
The Gila National Forest, prior to the implementation of the restrictions, had experienced an increase in human-caused fires between the dates of March 2 and June 9. Twenty-three human-caused fires were reported during this period.
For additional information on current fire activity on the Gila National Forest, please visit the website: www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila, or call Fire Information at (575) 538-1426.
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Date: July 9, 2008
OFFICIAL ORDER: BLM LAS CRUCES LIFTS RESTRICTIONS IN SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO
FIRE PREVENTION ORDER #NM-030-08-01, EFFECTIVE APRIL 7, 2008
FIRE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER
IS HEREBY RESCINDED, EFFECTIVE JULY 9, 2008
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, LAS CRUCES DISTRICT OFFICE
This order rescinds NM-030-08-01 and allows the use of petroleum-fueled devices and open fires.
Effective July 9, 2008 fire restrictions on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces District Office are lifted. The use or possession of fireworks on public lands is strictly prohibited at all times.
All BLM recreation areas, campgrounds and trails administered by the Las Cruces District Office are open to visitor use.
Questions regarding this order should be addressed to Steve Bumgarner, BLM Fire Management Officer at (505) 525-4305.
Done at Las Cruces, New Mexico, the 8th day of July, 2008.
Signed: Bill Childress, Las Cruces District Manager-BLM
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Date: June 27, 2008
SANDIA MOUNTAIN TRAILS TO CLOSE BY JUNE 30TH
from the Albuquerque Journal website, http://www.abqjournal.com/ (http://www.abqjournal.com/ ),
posted 1:54pm June 27, 2008
Fire Danger To Close Sandias
Written by Lee Ross
A large portion of the Sandia Mountains is expected to close Monday.
“We are in extreme fire danger that we’ve never seen before,” said Sandia District Ranger Cid Morgan.
All picnic areas along the Sandia Crest Highway (N.M. 536) should remain open except for Nine Mile and Cienega Picnic Ground, but all back country hiking trails will be closed. The Foothill Trail will remain open.
Karen Takai, fire information officer for the Sandia Ranger District, said N.M. 165 will be closed from Placitas to the Balsam Glade Picnic Area except by special permit.
Takai emphasized that the trail closures will including the popular La Luz Trail and the trail between the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and Sandia Peak.
The tram and the peak will remain open.
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Date: June 26, 2008
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST AND BLM'S FT. STANTON AREA TO RE-OPEN JULY 2ND
NEWS RELEASE
USDA Forest Service
Lincoln National Forest
1101 New York Avenue
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Bureau of Land Management
Roswell Field Office
2909 W. 2nd St
Roswell, NM 88201
Contact: Joe Garcia (505) 434-7200
FOREST TO RE-OPEN JULY 2 – FIRE RESTRICTIONS STAY IN EFFECT
Alamogordo, NM (June 26, 2008) – Effective July 2, 2008, at 8 a.m., the Lincoln National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management,Roswell Field Office will lift the Forest Fire Closure Orders and open the Lands under their jurisdiction to the public. Due to current fire danger and weather patterns, the threat of wildfires is still high. For this reason, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will remain in place.
The Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will remain in place on the Lincoln National Forest, and the Fort Stanton Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The restrictions are as follows:
Prohibited: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or stove fire and smoking.
Allowed: Pressurized liquid gas or propane stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications.
Open burning is still prohibited on non-federal, non-municipal lands at local county and city levels in southeastern New Mexico. Please check with local agencies and authorities before creating a fire.
As always, fireworks are always prohibited on all federal lands.
“March 31 was the day the Forest implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions,” said Jacqueline (Jacque) Buchanan Lincoln National Forest Supervisor. “And, on May 1, 56 days ago, the Forest closed to public use. It is always a very serious decision to close National Forest System Lands and the decision to lift the closure is only made when factors such as fuel moisture, Energy Release Components and weather patterns indicate it is reasonable to do so. We feel that the conditions are now in place to allow the Forest to reopen on July 2nd. We want the public to enjoy all that the Lincoln has to offer but we still need everyone’s help to do that. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are still in place and our visitors must be respectful of that for the Forest to remain open. It will take all of us working together to ensure that our Forest stays green.”
The 2008 Fire Season began earlier this year due to the dry winter, above normal temperatures and high winds. Due to the concerns around the elevated fire danger and the agencies priority for public and firefighter safety, fire restrictions and subsequent closures were implemented. These efforts have proven to be effective in that there have been few human-caused fires in the area. Local fire prevention team members have effectively kept the public informed of the Forest Closure and the current Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
All Lincoln National Forest and Bureau of Land Management employees would like to say thank you to the public and communities for their cooperation during the closure and imposed fire restrictions.
Additional firefighting resources such as Hotshot crews, engines, and air resources are and will remain in place. Community protection and public safety are always first and foremost. The Stage 2 Fire Restrictions that remain in place serves as a reminder to practice good fire safety while recreating on public lands.
“Lincoln National Forest Supervisor Jacque Buchanan made the right call in closing the Forest during this very dry winter and spring,” said Dave Venable, Mayor of Cloudcroft. “This Fire Closure did affect tourism and, in the short-term, our economic vitality. However, the closure did ensure the continued long-term economic strength of our mountain community livelihoods and helped maintain our natural resources. This is why visitors to the Lincoln National Forest can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities and through everyone’s continued efforts – “Let’s keep it wildfire free.”
All of the agencies in southeastern New Mexico would also like to thank the public and communities for their diligence to fire safety so far this year.
Ruidoso Mayor, L. Ray Nunley said, “What a great effort by everyone. No wildfires occurred in Ruidoso and we’re all very thankful for that. The citizens of this community would like to thank the U.S. Forest Service and volunteer fire department employees for their efforts and remind the public that our mountain communities are open, accessible, and business as usual.”
As a reminder, it will take more rains and snow through the rest of the monsoon and winter seasons to help bring moisture levels back up within the Forest. Forest officials ask that everyone continue to practice good fire safety all year round.
The Lincoln National Forest would like to remind business owners and organizations that helped inform the public of the “Forest Fire Closure” to remove the information signs/placards or display sheets on their counters, windows and doors so. The Stage 2 Fire Restriction notices are still good until that order is rescinded.
For additional information on National Forest restrictions, please contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District Office at (575) 257-4095; the Sacramento Ranger District Office at (575) 682-2551, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Guadalupe Ranger District at (575) 885-4181, open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Bureau of Land Management Roswell Field Office at (575) 627-0272, open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information on fire or the Lincoln National Forest, please review the website at: www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln and additional fire information can be obtained at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire ) and http://www.nmfireinfo.com (http://www.nmfireinfo.com ), or call toll free 1-877-864-6985.
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NOTE TO MEDIA
There are 4 different stages (levels) of restrictions/closures in response to Fire risk:
Stage I (Level 1) -- No smoking outside of vehicles, or buildings. No open campfires outside of developed sites. No fireworks.
Stage II (Level 2 ) -- In addition to Stage I, adds prohibitions for explosives, chainsaw or other internal combustion engines (possibly during certain hours), welding, and using a motor vehicle off forest development roads; further restricts use of campfires.
Stage III (Level 3) -- The closure of specific areas of the Forest (as detailed in the Closure Order)
Stage IV (Level 4 ) -- Full forest closure
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Date: June 12, 2008
STATE FORESTER ADDS TO NEW MEXICO FIRE RESTRICTIONS
June 12, 2008 NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Dan Ware, Public Relations Coordinator 505-476-3336
EMNRD Secretary Announces Additional Fire Restrictions for Southwest New Mexico
Santa Fe – Because of increasingly hot and dry conditions, New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Joanna Prukop and State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer today announced restrictions on fireworks, smoking, campfire and openfires for seven counties in southwest New Mexico. The restrictions will go into effect at 8:00 a.m., Friday, June 13, 2008.
The restrictions are being imposed due to low levels of precipitation, high winds hot temperatures and an increase in the occurrence of human caused fires, all of which place this part of the state an increased risk from wildfires.
The restrictions will be imposed on all nonmunicipal, nonfederal
and nontribal lands in Catron, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra and Socorro Counties.
These new restrictions are an addition to those already imposed on Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Eddy, Guadalupe, Harding, Lea, Lincoln, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt, Torrance and Union counties, as well the parts
of Colfax, Mora, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Sandoval, Bernalillo and Valencia Counties that are east of Interstate 25. The restrictions in all counties listed will remain in effect until rescinded.
The restrictions include:
· Smoking: Allowed only in enclosed buildings, developed recreation areas, within structures, vehicles equipped with ashtrays on paved or surfaced roads and in areas at least three feet in diameter that are
barren or cleared of all flammable material.
· Fireworks: Prohibited in all state and private wildlands outside city or tribal jurisdictions. Wildland areas include lands covered wholly or in part by timber, brush, grass, grain or other flammable vegetation.
Exceptions are allowed for fire department approved public exhibits.
· Campfires: Banned in all open areas including New Mexico State Parks unless the following exceptions are met. An exception is granted to the above where cooking or heating devices use kerosene,
white gas or propane as a fuel in an improved camping area that is cleared of all flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet or has a water source. (For information, contact park managers or visit www.nmparks.com).
The State Forester is also allowing exceptions for charcoal grills and wood and coal stoves within yards associated with a residence or on the premises of a business.
· Open Burning: Open fires are restricted. This includes the burning of cropland, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning or weed burning. There is an exception for open burning on croplands that are irrigated. Persons conducting burns must notify the local fire department, monitor the burn at all times, secure the burn at the end of the day, and follow state air quality rules and local ordinances.
Flaring of gas is prohibited.
The State Forester grants an exception to open burning when the following conditions are met:
· At least one adult is on site with communications equipment adequate to reach county dispatch and the local fire department in the event of a fire. The individual should also be equipped with a shovel and a water backpack pump or other equipment to deliver water to suppress a fire.
· The local fire department and county dispatch are notified at least 24 hours in advance of anticipated releases that will result in flaring. If flaring is done by an automated system then the schedule of flaring shall be provided to the local fire department and county dispatch.
· Unless the flaring is needed for safety purposes, flaring pursuant to this exception shall not be done on days that are “red flag days” as determined by the National Weather Service or on days when the sustained wind is in excess of 25 miles per hour in the area.
Exemptions: The State Forester may allow exemptions from the above upon receiving a written request and granting subsequent approval in writing. You may apply for an exemption on the Forestry Division website at www.nmforestry.com.
An exemption does not relieve a person from any civil or criminal liability associated with an uncontrolled fire, including costs associated with wildland fire suppression.
For specific details and the legal restriction notification, log onto www.nmforestry.com. For more information, please call (505) 476 - 3326.
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Date: June 12, 2008
PARTIAL CLOSURES ON CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST BEGIN JUNE 13, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Albuquerque, June 9, 2008 – Beginning June 13, 2008, portions of the Cibola National Forest will be closed. Fire danger remains extreme and warrants closing a number of areas to visitors. “Closures are a last resort and they are not taken lightly. We all must work together to keep our forest as safe as possible and this include staying away from areas that have been closed.” stated Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose. “Recent isolated rain showers have brought little, if any, measurable moisture to the forest” she added.
Beginning 8:00 am, June 13, 2008, the following areas are affected:
MOUNTAINAIR RANGER DISTRICT - Red Canyon Campground is open daily from 8am to 6pm (DAY USE ONLY – NO CAMPING) and accessible only through Forest Road 253. Please note all trails accessible from Red Canyon Campground are closed. All other campgrounds, trails and trailheads are closed. The Manzano Mountain Wilderness is closed. Roads remaining open include Forest Road 55 from NM State Road 55 in Tajique to the Forest Road 321 junction, Forest Road 55 on the south end from NM State Road 55 junction in Torreon to Trail Canyon Trailhead and Forest Road 422 from NM State Road 60 to Pine Shadow Trailhead. The Gallinas Mountains near Corona are open; however Red Cloud campground and Forest Road 99 are CLOSED. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal broiler, coal or wood stove are prohibited. All vehicles must remain on Forest roads. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
For more information contact Mark Chavez, Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 505-346-3900 or one of the following district offices, Sandia Ranger District, 505-281-3304 or the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990.
To view a map delineating therse closures, click here.
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Date: June 9, 2008
GILA NATIONAL FOREST RESTRICTIONS OFFICIAL ORDER
Order Number: 06-271
FIRE RESTRICTIONS - GILA NATIONAL FOREST
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551, and 36 CFR § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands within the Gila National Forest and those portions of the Apache National Forest lying within New Mexico, administered by the Gila National Forest, in the following counties within the state of New Mexico: Catron, Grant,
Hidalgo and Sierra (“the restricted area”). The restricted area is depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated
into this Order as Exhibit A.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site; 36 CFR § 261.52(a).
EXCEPTIONS: The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices, providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety, is allowed. Persons using Forest Service designated campgrounds and/or picnic areas may have a campfire within pre-constructed Forest Service fireplace or fire ring. The designated campgrounds and picnic areas where campfires will be allowed are identified on the attached Exhibit B.
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; 36 CFR § 261.52(d).
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons 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.
This Order is necessary to protect public health and safety due to the extreme fire danger from dry conditions.
This Order becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, and will remain in force until rescinded or until August 1, 2008, whichever event occurs first.
Done at Silver City, New Mexico, this 4th day of June 2008.
SIGNED: Richard E. Markley
Forest Supervisor, Gila National Forest
Violations 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 (6) months or both; 16 USC § 551, and 18 USC §§ 3559 and 3571.
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Date: June 5, 2008
PRESS RELEASE: GILA NATIONAL FOREST ENTERING RESTRICTIONS JUNE 11TH
June, 5th 2008
CONTACT: Wayne Wilson (575)388-8245
Silver City, NM – Gila National Forest will implement fire and smoking restrictions effective Wednesday, June 11.
“We’ve been monitoring the dead and live fuel moistures very closely over the last six weeks”, said Fred Hernandez, Gila fire staff officer. “We’re heading into the driest time of the year and in light of public and firefighter safety, we feel that it’s now time to move forward with restrictions. The number of abandoned campfires has been on the rise over the past month. With visitor use increasing, and conditions being what they are, restrictions are a wildfire prevention tool that can help minimize the number of unwanted human-caused fires,” he said.
The official order states:
• It is prohibited to build, maintain, attend or use a fire, campfire, or stove fire.
• Smoking will be allowed or in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Fireworks are ALWAYS prohibited on federal lands.
Some exemptions include the use of petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices that meet Fire Underwriters’ specifications for safety; having campfires within a pre-constructed Forest Service fireplace within designated campgrounds and picnic areas (see list below); and Federal, State, or local officers, or members of organized rescue or firefighting forces while performing official duties.
A list of designated campgrounds where campfires will be allowed:
Black Range Ranger District (575) 894-6677
o No fires allowed in any campground on this district.
Quemado Ranger District (575) 773-4678
o Quemado Lake area:
Juniper Campground
Piñon Campground
El Caso Campground
Glenwood Ranger District (575) 539-2481
o Whitewater Picnic Area (Catwalk)
o Bighorn Campground
o Cottonwood Campground
o Pueblo Park Campground
Reserve Ranger District (575) 533-6231
o Dipping Vat Campground
o Ben Lilly Campground
o South Fork Campground
o Apache Creek Campground
o Aeroplane Mesa Campground
Wilderness Ranger District (575) 536-2250
o Upper Scorpion Campground
o Lower Scorpion Campground
o Lake Roberts area:
Upper End Campground
Mesa Campground
Lake Roberts Picnic Area
Silver City Ranger District (575) 388-8201
o Little Walnut Picnic Area
o Cherry Creek Campground
o McMillan Campground
o Iron Creek Campground
o Upper Gallinas Campground
o Lower Gallinas Campground
o Railroad Canyon Campground
The restrictions will be in effect at 12:01 am on Wednesday, June 11, and will remain in place until conditions improve.
For additional information about CURRENT fire and smoking restrictions in Arizona and New Mexico, please visit the following websites: http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php (http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php ) and http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/NM.php (http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/NM.php ) or call 1-877-864-6985.
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Date: May 14, 2008
CIBOLA MAGDALENA AND MT. TAYLOR DISTRICTS SET RESTRICTIONS FOR MAY 16TH
FIRE RESTRICTIONS EFFECTIVE MAY 16, 2008
FOR MT. TAYLOR AND MAGDALENA RANGER DISTRICTS
Albuquerque, May 13, 2008 – The Cibola National Forest, including the Mt. Taylor and Magdalena Ranger Districts will implement fire restrictions starting Friday, May 16 at 8:00am. Cibola National Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose explained, "With the recent increase in temperatures, higher winds, continued dry conditions, we feel it is necessary to take these precautions." Rose said. "We want our visitors to be fire safe while enjoying their national forests," she added. As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forest system lands.
Beginning 8:00 am, Friday, May 16, 2008, the following restrictions apply to the Mt. Taylor and Magdalena Ranger Districts.
Open Campfire Restrictions:
Campfires, charcoal grills and stove fires are prohibited on national forest lands except in Forest Service developed camp and picnic grounds where grills are provided.
Restrictions:
Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed. Please contact the Cibola National Forest for more details regarding where fires are allowed.
Smoking is allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building; a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter and free of all flammable material.
Please call for more information, Mark Chavez, Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 505-346-3900, or one of the following district offices:
- Mt. Taylor Ranger District, 505-287-8833
- Magdalena Ranger District, 575-854-2281
Additional fire information for the Southwest Area is available at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/index.htm. (http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/index.htm. )
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Date: May 8, 2008
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUES CLOSURE
Contact: Joseph Garcia – 434-7290
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST TO CONTINUE WITH FOREST CLOSURE
Alamogordo, N.M. (May 8, 2008) – Southeastern New Mexico continues to be dry – no precipitation has fallen with each passing weather front. Wind has been a factor each time a front passes through New Mexico, which generates strong winds, Red Flag fire conditions and reinforces Lincoln National Forest fire management officials of the need to continue with the Forest Fire Closure Order.
The Stage III Forest Fire Closure Order went into effect on May 1, 2008, at 8 a.m., and will remain in force until rescinded by the Acting Forest Supervisor, Jacqueline Buchanan. This means the following acts are prohibited within the Lincoln National Forest: No horseback riding, hiking, off-highway vehicle use, picnicking, etc., in the restricted area. Areas closed to public use are all Lincoln National Forest lands within the Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger District.
Lincoln National Forest officials do not take this action lightly. The first and foremost thought is firefighter and public safety before implementing restrictions and closures. Another part of the process is the environmental conditions and projected weather - factors taken into consideration when making this type of decision. Fire restrictions and forest closures are useful tools in limiting the occurrence of human-caused fires.
Forest officials target problem areas and try to implement restrictions and closures to minimize disruptions to the recreating public and effects on local economies. Since weather has been one of the precursors, full forest closure is the best decision involving the public, firefighter safety and the livelihood of our mountain communities.
The Sacramento Ranger District concessionaire campgrounds near Cloudcroft; the Guadalupe Ranger District Sitting Bull Falls Day Use area, along with the Sunspot Astronomy and Visitor’s Center, Sunspot, NM, remain open. Guests who use the Forest concessionaire campgrounds and Sitting Bull Falls area are reminded they cannot access Forest lands for recreation purposes. Also, within the concessionaire campgrounds, the use of petroleum fueled stoves for cooking purposes, along with lanterns or heating devices is authorized because these devices are not considered fires, provided such devices meet the Fire Underwriter’s specifications for safety.
The use of all other campgrounds, day use picnic areas and cabins on the Forest are closed.
All National Forest System Roads are closed, but all interstates, state and county roads through the Lincoln National Forest remain open.
The use of Fireworks is strictly prohibited on all National Forest System Lands.
A significant amount of moisture will be required to reduce the extreme fire danger and the Lincoln National Forest will reopen to the public when sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce our extremely dry conditions and reduce the risk of wildfire to a manageable level.
Southern New Mexico is known for its low-land desert and high mountain communities. The Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Capitan, Cloudcroft, Tularosa, Timberon, Sacramento, Weed, Carlsbad, and Queen communities are open, accessible, and business as usual. Check with the local chamber of commerce or business and inquire what fire restrictions are in place that may involve your recreation or travel plans. Stores, restaurants, lodging and other services are available and will be open for all visitors use.
To report a fire, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-695-1663 or (575) 434-2286 or dial 911.
For more information on current fire restrictions on public lands in New Mexico and Arizona, call 1-877-864-6985. This is a toll-free hotline sponsored by natural resource agencies in the Southwest. Please visit our website: Southwest Area Wildland Fire Operations at www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.
For more information about the Fire Closure Order or the Lincoln National Forest, please contact the Supervisor’s Office at (575) 434-7200, or one of the following District Offices at:
- Smokey Bear Ranger District – (575) 257-4095
- Sacramento Ranger District Office – (575) 682-2551
- Carlsbad Ranger District Office – (575) 885-4181
All offices are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please visit the Lincoln National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln, for the most current information
OPEN CLOSED RESTRICTED
Silver Campground Trestle Recreation Area Camp Dale Resler
Saddle Campground Karr Canyon Picnic Site Camp Scott Able
Apache Campground Sleepy Grass Picnic Site Ski Cloudcroft
Sleepy Grass Campground Upper Karr Campground
Deerhead Campground All Vista's
Pines Campground All Trailheads
Aspen Group Campground All Dispersed Sites
Black Bear Group Site
Slide Group Site
Fir Group Site
Sitting Bull Falls Day Use Area
Sunspot Visitor Center
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Date: May 3, 2008
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: MESCALERO RESERVATION UNDER SEVERE RESTRICTIONS
NOTICE: CLASS V – FIRE RESTRICTIONS/AREA CLOSURE
(EXTREME FIRE DANGER)
EFFECTIVE: MAY 3, 2008 (Until recinded or superseded)
CLASS V – FIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
$ All outside burning is prohibited during all hours (refuse burning, field clearing, campfires, etc.) Exception – cooking fires or bonfires for ceremonials are allowed within the immediate ceremonial site, not-to-exceed 200 yards.
$ Gas burning or electric cooking and lighting devices (which can be shut off with a switch or valve) are permitted within residential areas or developed campgrounds. However, homeowners, campground hosts, etc., must notify the Aviation &Fire Management Office (AF&M) at 464-4419 (information purposes only).
$ Dwellings with fireplaces or wood burning (cooking or heating) stoves shall have proper screens installed to prevent the escape of burning embers (homeowner’s responsibility). Fires in wood burning stoves are not allowed on “Red Flag” days (winds exceeding 20 MPH).
$ Approved mufflers or spark arresters are required for ALL MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT (off-road vehicles, chainsaws, etc. - if unsure, please bring by the AF&M Office and the Wildland Fire Program Manager, his assistant or the Duty Officer will inspect).
$ Travel throughout the reservation will be restricted (no stopping or parking along roadway), including US Highway 70 and State Road 244. Travel will be permitted to any permanent resident going to or from their place of residence or business. Travel is permitted for acquiring brush, teepee poles, etc., for ceremonial purposes only.
$ Contractors who are working on approved projects within the reservation are allowed to camp and travel on off-highway roads. Contractors are required to use caution and meet requirements (fire extinguisher, hand tools, etc.) as designated by the Bureau.
$ Contractors who are working on approved projects within the reservation are restricted to the hours of 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Permission from the Forest Manager will be required for all other work or travel (all projects are to shut down on “Red Flag” days, weekends and holidays - exceptions may be granted by the Forest Manager or his/her acting).
$ The use of firearms, fireworks or explosives is strictly prohibited and WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. Patrols (to include aerial recon) may be utilized to enforce the travel restrictions during weekends and holidays.
$ The use of firearms, fireworks or explosives WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. Smoking restrictions are also in effect (to include all businesses, public service facilities, and homesites). Smoking is only allowed indoors and in vehicles.
The above restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded under authority of Mescalero Apache Tribal Resolution No. 04-44. Personnel exempt from the above restrictions include Federal and Tribal employees, such as Tribal Resource Managers and Bureau of Indian Affairs Employees while in the performance of their official duties. These restrictions will be enforced by the Branch of Law Enforcement Services and the Tribal Conservation Department under authority Title 18, Sections 1855 and 1856 USC and Tribal Statutes 10-5-4, 10-5-5, 17-12-3 through 17-12-5.
[signed by:]
PRESIDENT, Mescalero Apache Tribe SUPERINTENDENT, Mescalero Agency
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Date: April 29, 2008
BLM IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS FOR PECOS DISTRICT IN SE NM, TO CLOSE FORT STANTON AREA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 25, 2008
CONTACT: Roswell Fire Prevention Specialist (575) 627-0278
Carlsbad Fire Management Officer (575) 234-5960
STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS SET FOR BLM PUBLIC LANDS IN SOUTHEAST NEW MEXICO; FORT STANTON AREA TO BE CLOSED MAY 1
High temperatures, low humidity and spring winds have resulted in extreme fire danger throughout Southeast New Mexico. As a result, the BLM’s Pecos District is imposing Stage I fire restrictions for all public lands in Lincoln, Chaves, Lea, DeBaca, Guadalupe, Roosevelt, and Eddy Counties.
The restrictions will go into effect Monday, April 28, at 8 a.m.
In addition, the Fort Stanton Area of Critical Environmental Concern and BLM public lands surrounding the town of Lincoln – already under Stage II fire restrictions – will go into full closure on Thursday, May 1. Only individuals with a valid BLM special use permit will be allowed in the area. This closure is necessary to reduce the threat of human-caused fires due to conditions that have created and increased the risk of wildfires on BLM lands. The adjacent Lincoln National Forest is also entering into full closure at the same time.
Beginning Monday, the following Stage I restrictions will be in place on public lands in the Pecos District:
• Building or using a fire, campfire, charcoal or wood, is prohibited except in developed camping and picnicking areas. (Use of petroleum fueled stoves is still allowed.)
• Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed campsite, or in an area three feet in diameter, cleared of all flammable materials.
The following areas are also in fire restrictions:
New Mexico State Lands - A ban on campfires, fireworks, smoking, and open fires on all non-municipal, non-federal and non-tribal lands in 23 counties.
Mescalero Apache Reservation - Stage III outdoor burning prohibited. Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds or recreation areas.
National Park Service, Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe - Camp stoves, smoking and charcoal fires are restricted.
Lincoln County - Stage I: no burning or open flames, except by permit. Campfires allowed in designated areas.
Lincoln National Forest and BLM Public Lands at Fort Stanton and surrounding the town of Lincoln - Stage II: no campfires allowed. Stoves using propane, white gas, or kerosene in a 30-foot area cleared of flammable materials or with a water source are allowed. Smoking is prohibited. Welding or any sources of open flame are prohibited as are off-road vehicles. Chainsaws are prohibited from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m.
NOTE: Full closure will go into effect on Thursday, May 1.
Fire restrictions and closures are implemented during critical fire potential to help prevent human-caused wildfires and keep firefighters and the public safe. As summer approaches, additional restrictions or closures may be necessary; check for updates at www.nmfireinfo.com before making outdoor plans.
Please assist our firefighters this season … “Do your part, don’t let a wildfire start!”
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Date: April 28, 2008
OFFICIAL ORDER: BLM RESTRICTIONS FOR PECOS DISTRICT
FIRE PREVENTION ORDER # NM 500-002
STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, PECOS DISTRICT OFFICE
Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 9212.2, due to extreme fire hazard conditions, the following acts are prohibited on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pecos District, New Mexico, effective April 28, 2008 until further notice. This includes BLM administered public land in Chaves, Lea, Eddy, Roosevelt, Guadalupe, Lincoln, and De Baca counties.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site. The uses of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted provided these 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 or incendiary device.
The restrictions are necessary due to extreme fire danger from prolonged hot and dry weather conditions.
EXEMPTIONS:
The following persons are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a 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.
This Order is necessary to protect public health and safety due to the extreme fire danger.
This Order becomes effective at 8:00 AM, April 28, 2008, and will remain in force until rescinded or until December 31, 2008, which ever event occurs first.
Implemented by Pecos District Office, on this 28th day of April 2008.
/s/ Doug Burger District Manager Pecos District Office
Violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $1000.00 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both.
Questions regarding this order should be addressed to the BLM Roswell Field Office at (575) 627-0272 or the Carlsbad Field Office at (575) 234-5972.
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Date: April 28, 2008
OFFICIAL ORDER: FORT STANTON CLOSURE
FIRE PREVENTION ORDER # NM 500-003
STAGE IV FIRE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO EXTREME FIRE HAZARDS
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, ROSWELL FIELD OFFICE
Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 9212.2 due to extreme fire conditions, the following acts are prohibited on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the Fort Stanton area and BLM lands around the community of Lincoln, New Mexico effective May 1, 2008 until further notice. Please see attached map for clarification.
PROHIBITION:
1. Going into or being upon the restricted area.
EXEMPTIONS:
The following persons are exempt from this closure order:
1. Persons with a permit that authorizes actions specifically prohibited by this closure order.
2. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Persons conducting officially approved maintenance/construction activity. Persons must have approval in hand while in restricted area.
Closures are being implemented to reduce the threat of human-caused fire during period of extreme fire danger. All persons operating under an exemption in restricted areas are required to follow the restrictions outlined in the permit they are issued.
This Order is necessary to protect public health and safety due to the extreme fire danger.
This Order becomes effective at 8:00 AM, May 1, 2008, and will remain in force until rescinded or until December 31, 2008, which ever event occurs first.
Implemented by Roswell Field Office, on this first day of May 2008.
_____/s/ Doug Burger______
District Manager Pecos District Office
Violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $1000.00 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both. Questions regarding this order should be addressed to the BLM Roswell Field Office at (575) 627-0272.
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Date: April 25, 2008
CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST INCREASES RESTRICTIONS FOR MANZANOS AND SANDIAS
CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST INCREASES FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Albuquerque, April 24, 2008 – Beginning Monday April 28th at 8:00am, the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts of the Cibola National Forest will be under increased fire restrictions. Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose explained, “Given the high temperatures and severely dry conditions, we have decided to increase our fire restrictions and not allow fires of any kind on the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts.” As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forest system lands.
Beginning 8:00 am, Monday, April 28, 2008, the following restrictions apply to the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal broiler, coal or wood stove are prohibited. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed.
All personal use firewood cutting will not be allowed until further notice. Extensions will be granted to individuals with existing personal use permits. Personal use firewood cutting will recommence when weather conditions permit.
All vehicles must remain on Forest roads.
Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
Please call one of the following for more information: Mark Chavez, Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 505-346-3900 or one of the following district offices:
- Sandia Ranger District, 505-281-3304
- Mountainair Ranger District, 505-847-2990
Forest officials would also like to remind you that the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands have under been the following fire restrictions since February 28, 2008:
The following restrictions apply to the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove are prohibited.
- Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed anywhere on the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands.
Smoking Restrictions:
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed recreation site.
- As always, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
Additional fire information for the Southwest Area is available at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/index.htm (http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/index.htm )
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Date: April 24, 2008
SOUTHERN PUEBLOS ENTER STAGE I RESTRICTIONS FACING HIGH FIRE DANGER
NOTICE: FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Contact: Jose Tenorio, Fire Prevention Technician
(505) 563-3655
Southern Pueblos Agency (S.P.A.) is currently under FIRE PREPAREDNESS LEVEL III. This means the Tribal lands are in High to Very High Fire Danger.
Due to abnormally high temperatures, low humidity, high winds and the abundance of dry, fine flashy fuels and the high risk of a large fire, the Agency has implemented restrictions on the Pueblos:
STAGE-1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
• All open campfires are prohibited, including charcoal grills, except in developed camps and picnic grounds where grills and fire rings are provided.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed building or vehicle equipped with ashtrays; a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
EXEMPTIONS:
1. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed.
2. Traditional fires, such as outdoor ovens and outdoor cooking fires are allowed.
Please report any and all unlawful use of fire and/or fire works on tribal lands to Albuquerque Zone Dispatch and/or Tribal law Enforcement.
Albuquerque Zone Dispatch (505) 346-2660
BIA/Southern Pueblos Agency Police Dept. (505) 346-2448/2449
SPA Fire (505) 563-3655
These recommended restrictions will become effective on Monday, April 24, 2008 at 0800 and will remain in effect until rescinded.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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Date: April 23, 2008
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST STARTS SEASON WITH REMINDERS, NOT RESTRICTIONS
For Immediate Release: April 23, 2008
CONTACT: DOLORES MAESE(505) 438-7877
LAWRENCE LUJAN(505) 438-7628
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
COME OUT AND SAFELY ENJOY YOUR NATIONAL FOREST
(SANTA FE, NM)—Spring marks the beginning of new life—flowers blooming and baby birds chirping; and an increase in recreational use in National Forests—hiking, hunting, fishing, camping and more. This spring, as you embark on outdoor adventures within the Santa Fe National Forest, please remember to “Know Before You Go” and to “Think Smart, Don’t Let Wildfires Start”.
Know Before You Go!
Before leaving for your outing, remember to:
• Become familiar with the area that you are visiting—call the local Forest Service office near the area you will be visiting, or call the main office in Santa Fe at (505) 438-7840 to check on current conditions such as campground and gate status (i.e. open or closed), road conditions, and fire restriction information. Fire danger, fire restriction and recreation information can also be obtained by visiting the Santa Fe National Forest on-line at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe/. (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe/. ) Currently there are NO fire restrictions in place on the Santa Fe National Forest.
• Prepare by checking the local weather, packing what you need, purchasing the appropriate maps, and notifying someone of where you are going and when you plan to return.
Think Smart, Don’t Let Wildfires Start!
Even with the recent precipitation and cooler temperatures, fire danger on the Santa Fe National Forest is climbing. Please be fire safe and use caution when using chainsaws; don’t drive off-road on heavily grassed areas because your vehicle’s exhaust system could spark a fire; don’t toss your cigarettes; be careful with gas lanterns, barbeques, gas stoves and anything that could be a source of ignition for a wildfire; and finally don’t leave your campfire unattended or abandoned.
Here are some important things to consider when building and putting out your campfire:
• Make sure that you can have a campfire—obey and cooperate with all fire bans, restrictions and closures;
• If campfires are allowed, use an existing fire ring or clear a campfire site down to bare soil;
• Build a ring out of rocks. Keep the fire under four feet in diameter with no less than a ten foot clearance around it;
• Build the fire away from overhanging branches, steep slopes and dry grass;
• Keep a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire;
• When putting a campfire out, drown it with water, stir the fire with dirt and more water until all the fuel is cold to the touch. Never leave a fire until it is out cold.
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Date: April 22, 2008
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST FIRE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE CLOSURE FOR MAY 1ST
Contact: Joseph Garcia
Public Affairs Officer
Lincoln National Forest
Tel: (575) 434-7200
FIRE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE CLOSURE ORDER FOR LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST
Alamogordo, N.M. (April 22, 2008)
As fire danger increases in southeastern New Mexico, Fire Management Officials with the Lincoln National Forest (LNF) will close the forest for public access and use.
The LNF closure order signed by Acting Forest Supervisor Jacqueline Buchanan goes into effect, 8:00 a.m., May 1, 2008.
“Extremely dry conditions have warranted closure of the entire Lincoln National Forest, said Jacqueline Buchanan, Acting Forest Supervisor. “Closures in the past have proven to be an effective means of reducing the number of human-caused fires,” she said. “While campfire and smoking restrictions have been effective in terms of minimizing the number of fires, we are at the point that we cannot afford the risk of any human-caused fires. We are not only concerned about the risk to communities and natural resources, we are concerned about the potential difficulties evacuating recreationists from remote areas should a wildfire start,” she said.
The Sacramento Ranger District concessionaire campgrounds, along with the Sunspot Astronomy and Visitor’s Center, Sunspot, NM, will remain open. Guests who utilize the Forest concessionaire campgrounds are reminded they cannot access Forest lands for recreation purposes. Also, within the concessionaire campgrounds the use of petroleum fueled stoves for cooking purposes, along with lanterns or heating devices are authorized because these devices are not considered fires, provided such devices meet the Fire Underwriter’s specifications for safety.
The following Sacramento Ranger District concessionaire campgrounds will be open: Silver, Saddle, Apache, Sleepy Grass, Deerhead, Pines campground and the Aspen Group, Black Bear Group, Slide Group and Fir Group sites. The following areas are closed: Trestle Recreation Area, Karr Canyon Picnic Site, Sleepy Grass Picnic Site, Upper Karr Campground, all vistas, all trailheads and all dispersed sites.
The use of all other campgrounds, day use picnic areas and cabins on the Forest are closed.
All National Forest System Roads will be closed, but all interstates, state and county roads through the Lincoln National Forest will remain open.
The following applies to the Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe
Ranger Districts:
· Going into or being upon an area closed to public use. Areas closed to public use are all National Forest lands within the Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger District.
The following persons are exempt from this order:
· Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
· Residents living within the closed area and their guests, landowners or lessees of land within the closed area for access to their owned or leased property.
· Persons engaged in a business delivering goods, packages or services to private property or contractors performing services for the government.
· Persons with a written and approved entry permit or authorization
letter, i.e., Grazing Permittees.
Contact the Forest Supervisor or District Ranger Officer for additional information on restrictions or special use permit availability.
The use of Fireworks is strictly prohibited on all National Forest System Lands.
The Lincoln National Forest will reopen to the public when sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce our extremely dry conditions and reduce the risk of wildfire to a manageable level. A significant amount of moisture will be required to reduce the extreme fire danger on the Lincoln National Forest.
The area closures do not affect Federal and State Highways that lead into the mountain communities. Please do not stop on the sides of any highways. Property owners and their guests will continue to have access to private lands within the Forest.
“Business will be as usual,” said Cloudcroft Mayor Dave Venable. “We want to inform those who have made or contemplate making travel plans for New Mexico and our southern communities that our stores, restaurants, lodging and other services are available and will be open. Also, all special events to include May Fair – May 24-25, High Rolls Cherry Festival – June 21 and 22; Western Roundup; July Jamboree, and Cloudcroft Light Opera Company melodramas will go on as scheduled. All private campgrounds will be open. Come on up and enjoy our mountain communities and hospitality.”
Contact the local chambers of commerce or arts councils for the City of Alamogordo, Villages of Cloudcroft, Tularosa, Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Mayhill, Sacramento, Weed, Timberon, Capitan and Queen to obtain a calendar of events. Visitors are encouraged to visit these mountain communities.
“Even though the forest is closed, this closure action is not permanent,” said Ruidoso Mayor L. Ray Nunley, “We encourage visitors to visit Ruidoso and our mountain communities and remind them that safety for our visitors and citizens is first and foremost.” Special events will be occurring in Ruidoso over the next several months to include the “4th Annual Smokey Bear Days” – May 2-3, in Capitan; the Aspencash Motorcycle Run & Trade Show – Ruidoso Convention Center - May 15-18 or Ruidoso Downs Racetrack: Opening Day – May 23, 2008.
The following offices can provide information on upcoming events:
Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce - (505) 682-2733
Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce- (505) 257-7395
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce – (505) 887-6516
Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.
To report a fire, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-695-1663 or (575) 434-2286 or dial 911.
For more information on current fire restrictions on public lands in New Mexico and Arizona, call 1-877-864-6985. This is a toll-free hotline sponsored by natural resource agencies in the Southwest. Please visit our website: Southwest Area Wildland Fire Operations at www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.
For more information about the Fire Closure Order or the Lincoln
National Forest, please contact the Supervisor’s Office at (575) 434-7200, or one of the following District Offices at:
- Smokey Bear Ranger District – (575) 257-4095
- Sacramento Ranger District Office – (575) 682-2551
- Carlsbad Ranger District Office – (575) 885-4181
All offices are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please visit the Lincoln National Forest website at:
www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln.
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Date: April 21, 2008
SEVILLETA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LIMITS ACCESS TO BOSQUE RIPARIAN AREAS
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2008
Contact Person: Dennis Prichard (505) 864-4021
PUBLIC RECREATION IN RIPARIAN AREAS CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DANGER AT SEVILLETA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
From April 22 - May 5, certain areas at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to public recreation due to extreme fire danger. Specifically, units A, B, C, and D are affected by the closure.
Units A-D are bosque areas along the Rio Grande that are home to many wildlife species, including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher. Normally, these areas are open to public recreation. Units A and B are popular with bird and wildlife watchers and waterfowl hunters, while Unit D is home to an outdoor classroom.
Exceptionally dry conditions threaten these forested habitats. The Refuge Manager will enforce this area closure until May 5, 2008. At that time, conditions will be re-evaluated and the closure may be lifted, or continued if necessary.
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Date: April 18, 2008
CARLSBAD CAVERNS ADDS FURTHER FIRE RESTRICTIONS
For Immediate Release, April 17, 2008
ADDITIONAL FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT AT CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK
The current dry conditions and the associated fire hazard around the region is no news, but implementing tighter fire restrictions to prevent unwelcomed wildfire is current news at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Based on park records for weather conditions and fuel moisture, the vegetation is drier now, and is more receptive to an intense and rapidly spreading fire, than it has been in previous years when the park experienced severe fires that quickly grew. The park is imposing the following restrictions until further notice to reduce the potential of an accidental wildfire igniting:
• Camp stoves are prohibited anywhere in the park.
• Smoking is not permitted on trails or along roadside parking areas.
• Charcoal fires are prohibited at Rattlesnake Springs.
Visitors may be held personally liable for resource or property damage and fire suppression as a result of fire from the use of an ignition source.
Other federal land management agencies in our area have recently adopted Stage II fire restrictions on public lands. These restrictions prohibit the use of chainsaws after 10 a.m. and before 1 a.m., prohibit the use of internal- or external-combustion engines without spark arrestors, and prohibit the use of welding equipment outdoors. If dry conditions persist, restrictions on any ignition source or temporary closures may be imposed to prevent accidental wildfires.
Whether at home or on your public lands, please be careful with fire during this extremely dry season.
Contact:
Public Affairs, Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
575 785-2232 phone
575 785-2317 fax
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Date: April 15, 2008
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST UPDATES STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Wildfire Prevention Team 575-627-0310
Joe Garcia 575-434-7200
4/14/08
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS UPDATED
Because of the increased danger of wildfire in southeast New Mexico, the exceptions in the Stage II Fire Restrictions that were originally made for some campgrounds and picnic areas on the Lincoln National Forest no longer apply. As of April 17, 2008, people are NOT allowed to create a fire anywhere (including fire rings or grills at developed campgrounds and picnic areas).
The following restrictions that went in effect on March 31, 2008, still apply to The Lincoln National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Lands around Lincoln, New Mexico, including Fort Stanton.
Stage II Fire Restrictions prohibit the following:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using fire, campfire, charcoal, broiler, coal, or wood stove fire anywhere within the forest
2. Smoking outdoors
3. Using an explosive (including fireworks)
4. Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine is prohibited from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
5. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order
6. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame
7. Parking or driving 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.
For more information on the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico, go to www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln.
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Date: April 7, 2008
STATE SETS RESTRICTIONS TO AFFECT ALL OR PART OF 23 COUNTIES EAST OF I-25
NEWS RELEASE: April 8, 2008
Contact:
Dan Ware, Public Relations Coordinator, 505-476-3336
Forestry Division, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Division
1220 South St. Francis Drive ▪ Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Phone (505) 476-3325 ▪ Fax (505) 476-3330 ▪ www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD
[ED. NOTE: The official order can be found by cutting and pasting the first URL that follows - the second is some sort of digital ghost: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD/documents/FireRestriction2008-01_000.pdf] (http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD/documents/FireRestriction2008-01_000.pdf] )
EMNRD SECRETARY ANNOUNCES RESTRICTIONS FOR FIREWORKS, SMOKING, CAMPFIRES AND OPEN FIRES
Santa Fe – New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Joanna Prukop and State Forester Arthur “Butch” Blazer today announced restrictions on fireworks, smoking, campfire and open-fires for 23 counties. The restrictions will go into effect at 8:00 a.m., Friday, April 11, 2008.
The restrictions are being imposed due to prolonged low levels of precipitation, high winds and low humidity across much of New Mexico, which has caused high fire danger.
“As spring weather continues to dry out our grasslands and forested areas, the potential for catastrophic wildfire is intensifying,” said Prukop. “I’m urging all residents in the areas affected to follow the restriction guidelines to protect lives and property in their communities.”
The restrictions will be imposed on all non-municipal, non-federal and non-tribal lands in Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Eddy, Guadalupe, Harding, Lea, Lincoln, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt, Torrance and Union counties. The State Forester has also placed the restrictions in the following counties for that portion of the county east of Interstate 25: Colfax, Mora, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Sandoval, Bernalillo, Valencia, Sierra, Socorro, and Dona Ana. This encompasses state and private lands outside municipal and tribal jurisdictions. The restrictions in all counties listed will remain in effect until rescinded.
The restrictions include:
· Smoking: Allowed only in enclosed buildings, developed recreation areas, within structures, vehicles equipped with ashtrays on paved or surfaced roads and in areas at least three feet in diameter that are barren or cleared of all flammable material.
· Fireworks: Prohibited in all state and private wildlands outside city or tribal jurisdictions. Wildland areas include lands covered wholly or in part by timber, brush, grass, grain or other flammable vegetation. Exceptions are allowed for fire department approved public exhibits.
· Campfires: Banned in all open areas including New Mexico State Parks unless the following exceptions are met. And exception is granted to the above where cooking or heating devices use kerosene, white gas or propane as a fuel in an improved camping area that is cleared of all flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet or has a water source. (For information, contact park managers or visit www.nmparks.com). The State Forester is also allowing exceptions for charcoal grills and wood and coal stoves within yards associated with a residence or on the premises of a business.
· Open Burning: Open fires are restricted. This includes the burning of cropland, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning or weed burning. There is an exception for open burning on croplands that are irrigated. Persons conducting burns must notify the local fire department, monitor the burn at all times, secure the burn at the end of the day, and follow state air quality rules and local ordinances.
Flaring of gas is prohibited.
The State Forester grants an exception to open burning when the following conditions are met:
· At least one adult is on site with communications equipment adequate to reach county dispatch and the local fire department in the event of a fire. The individual should also be equipped with a shovel and a water backpack pump or other equipment to deliver water to suppress a fire.
· The local fire department and county dispatch are notified at least 24 hours in advance of anticipated releases that will result in flaring. If flaring is done by an automated system then the schedule of flaring shall be provided to the local fire department and county dispatch.
· Unless the flaring is needed for safety purposes, flaring pursuant to this exception shall not be done on days that are “red flag days” as determined by the National Weather Service or on days when the sustained wind is in excess of 25 miles per hour in the area.
Exemptions
The State Forester may allow exemptions from the above upon receiving a written request and granting subsequent approval in writing. You may apply for an exemption on the Forestry Division website at www.nmforestry.com.
An exemption does not relieve a person from any civil or criminal liability associated with an uncontrolled fire, including costs associated with wildland fire suppression.
For specific details and the legal restriction notification, log onto www.nmforestry.com. For more information, please call (505) 476-3326.
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Date: April 7, 2008
CAMPGROUNDS WILL OPEN IN CIBOLA - MOUNTAINAIR RD UNDER RESTRICTIONS
CIBOLA FOREST - MOUNTAINAIR RD FIRE RESTRICTIONS TO BEGIN AS CAMPGROUNDS OPEN
Mountainair, NM - April 7, 2008:
Stage I fire restrictions will be going into effect on the Mountainair Ranger District beginning on April 14th. The district did not receive the significant snowfall this past winter that other parts of the state received. This has been made very apparent in the last few weeks as fuel moisture levels continue dropping and fire danger increases. The current fire danger rating stands at HIGH, but with little to no significant precipitation, this level is expected to rise to VERY HIGH or even EXTREME in the near future. This could elevate restrictions to stage II (no campfires), stage III (partial closure) or stage IV (full closure) at a later date.
Stage I restrictions are the first step in the fire restriction ladder. This means that the forest will remain open; however, campfires will be restricted to campgrounds only. With this in mind, the district will be opening roads and campgrounds throughout the forest. Roads to be open on April 10th include FR321, FR245 and FR253. Campgrounds that will also open on April 10th include Fourth of July, New Canyon and Capilla Peak. These are areas that had been closed through the winter season. Red Canyon Campground is expected to open by April 18th. All opening dates are subject to change without notice. Please phone the Mountainair Ranger District at 847-2990, Monday to Friday in advance of your visit. The Ojo Peak Fire Rehabilitation Area remains under emergency closure and is not expected to be open this summer season. This includes most areas south of Red Canyon Campground, North of Pine Shadow Trailhead and west of the forest boundary on FR275.
Remember that Fire Restrictions will be in effect soon after openings. Campfires, charcoal grills and stove fires will be prohibited on national forest lands, except in Forest Service developed campgrounds where grills and fire rings are provided. Smoking is allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter and free of all flammable material. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands.
For more information on road/campground openings or fire restrictions please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990 or email atperea@fs.fed.us.
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Date: April 4, 2008
BLM ISSUES FIRE PREVENTION ORDER FOR PUBLIC LANDS IN SOUTHERN COUNTIES
FIRE PREVENTION ORDER #NM-030-08-01, EFFECTIVE APRIL 7, 2008
Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 9212.2, because of continued very high to extreme fire hazard conditions, the following acts are prohibited on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered public land within the Las Cruces District Office area of New Mexico, until further notice. This includes BLM administered public land in Otero, Luna, Dona Ana, Sierra, Grant, and Hildago counties.
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except inside established campfire rings and grills within the Aguirre Springs Campground, La Cueva Picnic Area and Three Rivers Petroglyph and Picnic Area. The use of petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices that meet Fire Underwriters’ Laboratories specifications is allowed.
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 or discharging fireworks or using an explosive requiring fuse blasting caps.
4. Operating a chainsaw without an approved spark arrester and without a chemically pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel. The extinguisher will be with the equipment operator. The shovel may be kept with fueling supplies but readily available for use.
5. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except within an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials at least 10 feet on all sides from equipment.
The restrictions are necessary due to the extreme fire danger from prolonged dry weather conditions.
Pursuant to 43 CFR 9212.2(a), the following persons are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a 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.
Violations 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 (6) months or both.
Questions regarding this order should be addressed to the BLM Fire Management Officer, Steve Bumgarner, at (505) 525-4305 or the Las Cruces District Office at (505) 525-4300.
Done at Las Cruces, New Mexico, the 4th day of April, 2008
Signed__________________________________________
Bill Childress
Las Cruces District Manager/BLM ###
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Date: March 31, 2008
PRESCRIBED FIRE SEASON TO BEGIN ON GILA NATIONAL FOREST
GILA NATIONAL FOREST FIRE MANAGERS PREPARE FOR "PRESCRIBED FIRE SEASON"
Silver City, NM – April 1, 2008)
Fire management occurs year-round on the Gila National Forest and prescribed burning is a key management tool that requires a variety of specific conditions that will occur during this year’s spring and fall seasons. When conditions are right, fire can help restore natural processes that promote forest health. “Burn plans” are developed for each project and many factors are considered, including: the location of private property or structures, weather forecasts, wind speed, humidity, the amount of moisture contained in the wood that will be burned, and how plant species may be affected. Burning operations begin only after the forest conditions have been measured and they meet the parameters or guidelines identified in the burn plan.
Several burns are scheduled for April and May, including the “Willow, Little McKnight, and L-T” on the Silver City and Wilderness Ranger Districts. Black Range District will be working on the 12,000 acre “Area 74” project; Reserve Ranger District will continue work on the “Reserve WUI” (wildland urban interface project) and the “Negrito Fire Base WUI”, while Glenwood Ranger District will continue work on their wildland urban interface project near Mogollon, known as “Mogollon Piles.”
“District fire management officers from across the forest work together to coordinate these projects, since many of them depend on each other’s firefighters, equipment and expertise to successfully conduct the burns,” said Fred Hernandez, fire management officer for the Gila National Forest. “When you look at the work that has been accomplished forest-wide and over a period of several years, you begin to see that the prescribed fires have been very effective in restoring forest health, reducing heavy fuel loads, and in many cases, greatly improving wildlife habitat,” Hernandez added.
The 5,200 acre Willow project, located in the Burro Mountains, is lined up as the first spring season project, with a scheduled ignition date of April 14. The Little McKnight and L-T projects are located in the Mimbres Valley, north of the Mimbres Ranger District Office and will follow in late April. The remaining projects will be implemented as conditions allow and any projects that are not completed this spring may resume in the fall.
For general information regarding fire activity on the Gila National Forest, visit the website: www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila or call Loretta Benevidez, Public Information Officer, at 575-332-8245 (office) or 575-538-1426 (cell).
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Date: March 31, 2008
BLM SETS STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR FORT STANTON AREA
FIRE PREVENTION ORDER # NM 500-001
Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 9212.2 because of extreme fire conditions, the following acts are prohibited on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered land within the Fort Stanton area and BLM lands around the community of Lincoln, New Mexico effective March 31,2008 until further notice. Please see attached map for clarification.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
3. Using fireworks, explosives, or any incendiary device.
4. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed maintained and ineffective working order.
5. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
6. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of a roadway.
The restrictions are necessary due to extreme fire hazards from prolonged hot, dry and windy weather.
EXEMPTIONS:
The following persons are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission
2. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
This order becomes effective at 8:00 AM, March 31, 2008 and will remain in force until rescinded or until December 31, 2008 which event ever occurs first.
Signed at Roswell, New Mexico this 31st day of March 2008.
Eddie Bateson
Field Office Manager
Roswell Field Office
Violation of the prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more that $1,000.00 or imprisonment or not more than 12 months, or both (43 CFR 9212.4).
Questions regarding this order should be addressed to the BLM Roswell Field Office at (575) 627-0272.
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Date: March 29, 2008
INCREASED FIRE DANGER WARRANTS LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST LEVEL II FIRE RESTRICTIONS
NEWS RELEASE
USDA Forest Service
Lincoln National Forest
1101 New York Avenue
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Contact: Chad Stewart (575) 434-7200
Joe Garcia (575) 434-7200
Bureau of Land Management
Pecos District
2909 W. Second
Roswell, NM 88201
Chuck Schmidt (575) 627-0310
INCREASED FIRE DANGER WARRANTS LEVEL II FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Alamogordo, NM, (March 27, 2008) – Firefighter, public safety and community protection is always first and foremost when it comes to wildfire season in the West.
Due to increased fire danger on public lands in SE New Mexico, the decision has been made to enact Fire Restrictions, which will take effect on Monday, March 31, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. The Lincoln National Forest (FS) in conjunction with the Roswell BLM Field Office will enact Stage II Fire Restrictions for all Forest Service lands, and BLM lands around Lincoln, New Mexico including Fort Stanton.
“The fall and winter rains and snows did not pan out this season as last year’s memorable moisture which occurred in Southern New Mexico, said Jacqueline Buchanan. The Lincoln has proactively been out in the forest collecting data that supports the decision to enact Stage II fire restrictions. And, this also means, we need everyone’s help to ensure our forest continues to be free of
fire and a tourists destination here in southern New Mexico.”
Stage II Restrictions include prohibition of:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, broiler, coal, or wood stove
fire anywhere within the forest except at identified campground locations;
2. Smoking;
3. Using an explosive (including fireworks);
4. Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited from 10:00 am to 1:00 am;
5. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order;
6. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame;
7. And, 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.
People are allowed to use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, or space-heating devices provided such devices meet the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) specifications for safety. People are allowed to create a fire ONLY at the following identified Lincoln National Forest campground or picnic area using the provided fire rings or grills: Smokey Bear Ranger District – Cedar Creek picnic area (charcoal grill use only) Sacramento Ranger District - Silver Campground; Guadalupe Ranger District - Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area.
Chad Stewart, Fire Management Staff Officer for the Lincoln NF said, “We have been proactive this fire season by bringing on seasonal personnel early after receiving no significant moisture this winter on the Lincoln National Forest. Additional fire crews, engines, and fire prevention personnel throughout the
Forest and Pecos Zone are in place and ready to respond. The larger forest fuels such as trees, logs and branches are very dry and with moisture levels so low, the chances of a fire igniting has greatly
increased.”
The BLM has been proactive in obtaining additional resources for fire suppression. The Bureau of Land Management has additional engines and fire personnel located in Carlsbad and Roswell.
All of the agencies in southeastern New Mexico would also like to thank the public for their diligence to fire safety so far this year. Most of the catastrophic fires that occur this time of year are
human-caused. Fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands.
The Villages of Ruidoso, Cloudcroft and other surrounding mountain communities look forward to the public visiting during this time or any time of the year. Camping, hiking, bike riding or enjoying a
relaxing picnic within the local area or the Lincoln National Forest can be a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
For specific information on a particular area, please contact your local Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or other fire service agency office. When planning a trip to the Lincoln National Forest or any National Forest, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. For current fire restriction information on public lands in the southwest, please call 1-877- 864-6985.
To report a fire, call (575) 434-2286 or toll free 1-877-695-1663.
For fire restrictions and other fire information for all recreation sites in New Mexico, log on to http://www.publiclands.org or http://www.nmfireinfo.com
For more information on the Lincoln National Forest, please visit our website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln.
NOTE TO MEDIA:
There are 4 different stages (levels) of restriction/closures in response to Fire risk:
Stage I (1st Level)--No smoking outside of vehicles, or buildings. No open campfires outside of developed sites. No fireworks.
Stage II (2nd Level )--In addition to Stage I, adds prohibitions for explosives, chainsaw or other internal combustion engines (possibly during certain hours), welding, and using a motor vehicle off forest
development roads; further restricts use of campfires.
Stage III (3rd Level)--The closure of specific areas of the Forest (as detailed in the Closure Order)
Stage IV (4th Level )--Full forest closures (as detailed in the Closure Order)
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Date: February 28, 2008
STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FOR THE KIOWA AND RITA BLANCA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS
NEWS RELEASE
United States Department Of Agriculture
Forest Service
Kiowa National Grassland
714 Main St.
Clayton, NM 88415
Tel: 575-374-9652
Fax: 575-374-9664
For Immediate Release
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/kiowa (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/kiowa )
Contact: Nancy Walls
STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FOR THE KIOWA AND RITA BLANCA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS BEGINNING, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2008.
CLAYTON, NM, FEBRUARY 28, 2008 – The Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands will implement Stage II fire restrictions starting at 8:00 am, Thursday, February 28, 2008. Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands District Range Nancy Walls stated, “With the continued dry, warm and windy conditions, we feel it is necessary to take these precautions.” The Kiowa and Rita Blanca Grasslands are located in the northeast part of New Mexico near Clayton.
All areas on the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands will be under the following fire restrictions:
The following restrictions apply to the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands:
Ø Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove are prohibited.
Ø Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed anywhere on the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands.
Smoking Restrictions:
Ø Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed recreation site.
Ø As always, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
Please contact Mark Chavez, Public Affairs, at the Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office (505) 346-3900 (mchavez@fs.fed.us) or Nancy Walls at the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands (575) 374-9652, for additional information.
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10-19-09
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUES FALL BURN PROJECTS
10-15-09
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST PLANS PRESCRIBED BURN NORTH OF HIGH ROLLS
10-06-09
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST PRESSES ON WITH FALL BURNS
09-29-09
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST LAYS OUT FALL BURNING PLANS FOR MUNICIPAL WATERSHED
09-28-09
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST TO BURN THINNED MATERIALS
08-25-09
FLOOD, NOT FIRE, CAUSES ROAD CLOSURE IN GILA NATIONAL FOREST
08-25-09
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST TO PROCEED WITH PLANNED BURNS
08-14-09
CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST ISSUES PARTIAL FIRE CLOSURE ON SANDIA RANGER DISTRICT
08-06-09
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST ANNOUNCES AREA CLOSURE NEAR RUIDOSO
07-07-09
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST WET ENOUGH TO RESUME PRESCRIBED BURNS
06-30-09
IMPORTANT REMINDER - NO FIREWORKS ANYWHERE IN NATIONAL FORESTS A-N-D BE AWARE OF BEARS
06-22-09
GILA NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUING TO MANAGE WILDFIRES, RE-OPENS FR150 AND CAMPGROUNDS
06-01-09
BLM ORDER CANCELS RESTRICTIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO
06-01-09
KIOWA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS RAISES RESTRICTIONS TO STAGE II IN NORTHEASTERN NM
06-01-09
STATE FORESTRY LIFTS RESTRICTIONS IN 21 NEW MEXICO COUNTIES
06-01-09
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST CANCELS FIRE RESTRICTIONS
06-01-09
BLM-LAS CRUCES DROPS RESTRICTIONS FOR MUCH OF SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO
05-29-09
STATE FORESTRY TO DROP SOME RESTRICTIONS JUNE 1st
05-26-09
GILA NATIONAL FOREST LIFTS FIRE RESTRICTIONS!!
05-19-09
BLM RESTRICTIONS ORDER FOR SOUTHEAST NM
05-15-09
NM State Forestry Announces Fire Restrictions for 20 Counties beginning Friday, May 15, 2009
05-13-09
GILA NATIONAL FOREST ENTERS FIRE RESTRICTIONS
05-12-09
STAGE II RESTRICTIONS TO START MAY 14 IN LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST
05-08-09
BLM ORDER FOR LAS CRUCES DISTRICT FIRE RESTRICTIONS
05-06-09
LINCOLN SETS MAY 14 AS TENTATIVE DATE FOR STAGE TWO RESTRICTIONS
05-04-09
MORE PRESCRIBED BURNS PLANNED ON SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST
04-27-09
SMALL FIRES DOT THE LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST
04-27-09
GILA NATIONAL FOREST WRAPS UP A NON-PRESCRIBED FIRE
04-27-09
GILA NATIONAL FOREST COMPLETES LITTLE McKNIGHT PRESCRIBED BURN
04-14-09
IF IT'S SPRING, THERE'S PROBABLY A WILDFIRE SOMEWHERE - LIKE THE GILA NATIONAL FOREST
04-13-09
VALLE VIDAL PRESCRIBED BURN PLANNED BY CARSON NATIONAL FOREST
04-13-09
INDIAN PEAKS AREA TO GET PRESCRIBED BURNING BY GILA NATIONAL FOREST
04-06-09
NEXT GILA FOREST PRESCRIBED BURN PROJECT SET
03-30-09
GILA NATIONAL FOREST COMPLETES SPRING BURN PROJECT
03-25-09
BANDELIER RESCHEDULES PLANNED BURNING PROJECT
03-23-09
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST SCHEDULES PRESCRIBED BURN NEAR QUEEN
03-20-09
GILA NATIONAL FOREST TO BEGIN IGNITIONS IN QUEMADO RANGER DISTRICT
03-10-09
CARSON FOREST LISTS PRESCRIBED BURN PROJECTS
03-10-09
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST TO BURN SLASH PILES IN RENDIJA CANYON AREA
03-09-09
CIBOLA SETS RESTRICTIONS IN MANZANO, GALLINA MOUNTAINS
03-06-09
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST CONSIDERING POSSIBLE RESTRICTIONS
03-02-09
Park Service Plans Burn At Capulin Volcano
11-20-08
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE GILA NATIONAL FOREST
11-14-08
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUES FUEL MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
10-30-08
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST BURNING UPDATES
10-30-08
GILA NATIONAL FOREST ADDRESSING WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE NEAR RESERVE
10-29-08
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST PRESCRIBED BURN UPDATE
10-24-08
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST STARTS SERIES OF CONTROLLED BURN PROJECTS
10-22-08
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUES FALL BURNING PROJECTS
09-03-08
Closure Orders Still in Effect in the Manzano Mountains
08-28-08
BLM TO DO SOME CONTROLLED BURNING NEAR FORT STANTON
08-26-08
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST MONITORS WILDLAND FIRE FOR USE IN "CLEANING UP" LANDS NEAR COYOTE
08-07-08
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST RE-OPENS SOME DOLLY-FLOODED AREAS
07-29-08
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST FLOODING CAUSES PARTIAL CLOSURE
07-16-08
BLM LANDS IN SOUTHEASTERN NM NOW OUT OF RESTRICTIONS
07-11-08
CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST DROPS MOST CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS JULY 11TH
07-10-08
NM STATE FORESTRY ENDING RESTRICTIONS JULY 11TH
07-09-08
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST AND BLM IN SOUTHEASTERN NM LIFTING AND LIGHTENING RESTRICTIONS
07-09-08
GILA NATIONAL FOREST ANNOUNCES END OF FIRE RESTRICTIONS
07-09-08
OFFICIAL ORDER: BLM LAS CRUCES LIFTS RESTRICTIONS IN SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO
06-27-08
SANDIA MOUNTAIN TRAILS TO CLOSE BY JUNE 30TH
06-26-08
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST AND BLM'S FT. STANTON AREA TO RE-OPEN JULY 2ND
06-12-08
STATE FORESTER ADDS TO NEW MEXICO FIRE RESTRICTIONS
06-12-08
PARTIAL CLOSURES ON CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST BEGIN JUNE 13, 2008
06-09-08
GILA NATIONAL FOREST RESTRICTIONS OFFICIAL ORDER
06-05-08
PRESS RELEASE: GILA NATIONAL FOREST ENTERING RESTRICTIONS JUNE 11TH
05-14-08
CIBOLA MAGDALENA AND MT. TAYLOR DISTRICTS SET RESTRICTIONS FOR MAY 16TH
05-08-08
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST CONTINUES CLOSURE
05-03-08
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: MESCALERO RESERVATION UNDER SEVERE RESTRICTIONS
04-29-08
BLM IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS FOR PECOS DISTRICT IN SE NM, TO CLOSE FORT STANTON AREA
04-28-08
OFFICIAL ORDER: BLM RESTRICTIONS FOR PECOS DISTRICT
04-28-08
OFFICIAL ORDER: FORT STANTON CLOSURE
04-25-08
CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST INCREASES RESTRICTIONS FOR MANZANOS AND SANDIAS
04-24-08
SOUTHERN PUEBLOS ENTER STAGE I RESTRICTIONS FACING HIGH FIRE DANGER
04-23-08
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST STARTS SEASON WITH REMINDERS, NOT RESTRICTIONS
04-22-08
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST FIRE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE CLOSURE FOR MAY 1ST
04-21-08
SEVILLETA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LIMITS ACCESS TO BOSQUE RIPARIAN AREAS
04-18-08
CARLSBAD CAVERNS ADDS FURTHER FIRE RESTRICTIONS
04-15-08
LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST UPDATES STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS
04-07-08
STATE SETS RESTRICTIONS TO AFFECT ALL OR PART OF 23 COUNTIES EAST OF I-25
04-07-08
CAMPGROUNDS WILL OPEN IN CIBOLA - MOUNTAINAIR RD UNDER RESTRICTIONS
04-04-08
BLM ISSUES FIRE PREVENTION ORDER FOR PUBLIC LANDS IN SOUTHERN COUNTIES
03-31-08
PRESCRIBED FIRE SEASON TO BEGIN ON GILA NATIONAL FOREST
03-31-08
BLM SETS STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR FORT STANTON AREA
03-29-08
INCREASED FIRE DANGER WARRANTS LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST LEVEL II FIRE RESTRICTIONS
02-28-08
STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FOR THE KIOWA AND RITA BLANCA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS
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