Ponderosa Campground. Photo by Sally King

BANDELIER News:

Stage II Fire Restrictions will go into effect for Bandelier National Monument at midnight Wednesday, June 5, and will remain in effect until weather conditions change. 

“These restrictions are a result of high fire danger, low fuel moistures, and regional fire preparedness level. We have been experiencing many warm windy days and these restrictions will reduce the threat of human caused fires in the monument,” Park Superintendent Jason Lott said.

Bandelier National Monument staff remind visitors that under Stage II fire restrictions the following are prohibited:

• The use of campfires or charcoal grills (gas grills may be used); and
• All outdoor smoking with the exception of inside vehicles or in the designated smoking area in the parking island in Frijoles Canyon.

Violations of these conditions can result in fines. 

Following Stage II restrictions is very important given the recent fire behavior in the surrounding area. Currently, visitors may experience light smoke conditions from the Thompson Ridge fire, located near the Valles Caldera. Bandelier staff does not expect any difficulties with this fire. 

Bandelier’s Fire Management Officer Gary Kemp suggests that everyone follow these precautions:

• Smoke in only those areas allowed away from vegetation and dispose of your cigarettes in ash cans;
• Never use fireworks during high fire danger periods; and
• When camping use lanterns, stoves and heaters safely – in areas away from tents and clear of vegetation.

“We have a lot of exciting activities and events planned for the summer,” Lott said. “We want to make sure visitors to the monument enjoy their public lands by being fire safe.”