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Bureau of Land Management implements fire restrictions at Fort Stanton – Snowy River NCA and Lincoln Tracts

New Mexico
Pecos DO
Roswell FO
Media Contact

ROSWELL, N.M. – Due to high fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing fire restrictions on public land at the Fort Stanton - Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and the BLM-Rio Bonito Acquired Lands in Lincoln County. The restrictions go into effect at 8 a.m. May 7 and will remain in effect until further notice.

Prohibited acts include:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or a wood stove, including fires in developed sites and areas.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
  • Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • 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.
  • Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads. Drivers should only park in areas void of flammable material.

Also note that fire prevention order Fire Prevention Order # NM910-25-01 restricts fireworks and exploding targets statewide on BLM lands.

“The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety by minimizing the chances for wildfire starts,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Nathan Curnutt. “Abundant dry fuels, high fire danger, and worsening fire conditions have prompted us to take this action.”

Anyone who is found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be subject to prosecution under any applicable law or BLM regulation. A violation of the order may be classified as a Class A Misdemeanor Offense under 43 USC 1733(a) FLPMA, 18 USC 3559, and 18 USC 3571 Sentence of Fine - Sentencing Reform Act, Oct. 12, 1984. If the violation does not result in death, anyone who violates this order may be fined not more than $100,000.

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 at www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions. Find additional information about fire restrictions at www.nmfireinfo.com. 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.