BLM implements fire restrictions at Fort Stanton Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and the Lincoln Tracts
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ROSWELL, N.M. – Due to current and projected fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management Roswell Field Office will enact fire restrictions beginning Friday, April 20, for the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and the Lincoln Tracts, parcels of BLM-managed public lands in and around the community of Lincoln, New Mexico.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire, except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, or within fully enclosed stoves with a ¼” spark-arrestor type screen, or within fully enclosed grills, or in stoves using pressurized liquid or gas used within areas cleared of flammable materials at least 10 feet in diameter.
2. Smoking or use of smoking materials, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at developed sites and areas, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
3. Cutting or grinding metal, or using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in areas cleared of flammable materials at least 10 feet in diameter and equipped with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
4. Discharging, using, or possessing any combustible or explosive composition, or any substance or combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. This includes, but is not limited to, pyrotechnics and exploding targets.
5. 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.
6. Operating a chainsaw without a USDA- or SAE-approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical 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.
6. Discharging, using, or possessing fireworks.
This order will remain in effect until rescinded. Violations of the fire order are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both. In addition, restitution for fire suppression costs or damage may be borne by the violator.
For more information about the fire restrictions, please contact the Roswell Field Office during regular business hours at (575) 627-0272. You may also visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com or https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions.
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.