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

BLM Fire Closure Map for Fort Stanton and Lincoln Areas

FIRE PREVENTION ORDER # NM 500-002
STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, PECOS DISTRICT OFFICE

FIRE PREVENTION ORDER # NM 500-003
STAGE IV FIRE RESTRICTIONS DUE TO EXTREME FIRE HAZARDS
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, ROSWELL FIELD OFFICE

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!”

-BLM-