Due to high fire danger and prolonged drought, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing fire restrictions on public lands in Chaves, DeBaca, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln, Guadalupe, Quay and Roosevelt counties in southeast N.M. The restrictions will go into effect on April 28, 2022, at 8 a.m. and will remain in effect until further notice.
Prohibited acts include:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices providing such devices meet the fire underwriter's specifications for safety is allowed.
- 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.
- Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic or incendiary device.
- Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Excepted are persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the generator.
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
- Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Restitution for total costs of fire suppression or damage will be borne by the violator.
The BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires.
Original source can be found here.
