BLM Pecos District implements fire restrictions across public lands

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Bureau of Land Management

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Pecos District Office

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ROSWELL, N.M. – Due to high fire danger and prolonged drought, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing fire restrictions on public lands in Chaves, DeBaca, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln, Guadalupe, Quay and Roosevelt counties in southeast N.M. The restrictions will go into effect on April 28, 2022, at 8 a.m. and will remain in effect until further notice.

Prohibited acts include:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices providing such devices meet the fire underwriter's specifications for safety is 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.
  • Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic or incendiary device.

In addition to the restrictions listed above, the public lands at Ft. Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and BLM-Rio Bonito acquired lands in and around the community of Lincoln have additional prohibitions, including:

  • Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Excepted are persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the generator.
  • 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.
  • Possessing or using a motor vehicle off roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.

The purpose of these orders 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. The use of exploding targets and fireworks is already prohibited on all BLM lands in N.M by statewide order annually. All BLM N.M. prevention orders can be found here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions.

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.


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.