LAFD News:
STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS
PROHIBITIONS:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or stove fire.
- Smoking.
- Using fireworks, explosives or other incendiary devices.
- Operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is prohibited.
- 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 on federal lands, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
- Violating any state law, that specifically concerns burning, fires, or that which is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire
EXEMPTIONS:
There are a few, very specific exemptions from these prohibitions. Please contact the land manager for the area of interest, to see if you meet the criteria for an exemption.
VIOLATIONS:
Violations of these regulations is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or both.
What does this mean for Los Alamos County?
Camp May and North Mesa Picnic Area are completely RESTRICTED from using any open flame – this includes grills, fire rings or pits.
The only type of cooking device being allowed at this time (and this is subject to change at any time in these two areas) are a Coleman type of propane grill top (similar to a stove top device) that has no open flame associated with the grill. It must be located and used in a barren area.
LAFD will allow use of the on-site (installed) grills at the following County Parks: Urban Park, Rover Park, Eastgate “Sunrise” Park (the entrance park on N.M. 502 east of Los Alamos near Camino Entrada). OR, visitors can use a Coleman type of propane grill top at any County Park.
No other material and devices (such as a charcoal grill brought to a County park from home) can be used. CAUTION should be used when disposing of any ashes associated with these devices.
A water source should be kept close by for use. These provisions for grill use in County Parks are subject to change at any time by LAFD.
Citizens are urged to call 911 for any minor event or small fire to ensure the safety and welfare of all.
