ROSWELL, N.M. - The Bureau of Land Management is implementing fire restrictions in order to reduce the risk of wildfire on public land at Ft. Stanton-Snowy River Cave NCA and BLM lands around the community of Lincoln. The restrictions will go into effect on April 23, 2020, at 6 p.m. and will remain in effect until further notice.
Prohibited acts include:
* Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves. Excepted are pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with shut-off valves.
* The use of any aerial luminaries, sky lanterns, wish lanterns, balloons, or other items that are smoldering or have open flame attached to it for propulsion.
* Firework use.
The purpose of this order is for the protection of public health and safety by minimizing chances for wildfire starts. Increasing visitor use and fires caused by people, combined with abundant dried grass and worsening fire conditions, has prompted this action. The use of exploding targets in recreational shooting is already prohibited on all BLM lands in N.M.
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. For more information, please contact the BLM Roswell Field Office at 575-627-0272 or the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site. Additional fire restrictions information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
