FARMINGTON, N.M. - Due to increased fire danger and prolonged drought, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing fire restrictions on public lands in Colfax, Harding, McKinley, Mora, Quay, Rio Arriba, San Juan, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Taos, and Union counties. The restrictions are effective immediately 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. Pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills, or lanterns) with shut-off valves are 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.
* Operating a chainsaw or any other internal or external combustion engine without a U.S. Department of Agriculture or Society of Automotive engineers approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
* Possessing or using a motor vehicle off roads, except routes in areas open to off-highway vehicle travel and except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
* Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic or incendiary device.
The purpose of this order is for the protection of public health and safety by minimizing chances for wildfire starts. Abundant dry fuels, high fire danger, and worsening fire conditions, has prompted this action. To view this order, visit https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2022-04/fire-restrictions-farmington-district-office-220427.pdf.
The use of exploding targets and fireworks is prohibited on all BLM-managed lands in New Mexico by statewide order. For more information on this statewide order, visit https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2022-01/Fire-Prevention-Order-NM910-22-01-final-508.pdf.
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 Farmington District Office at 505-564-7600 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
