UPDATED FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Los Alamos County Fire and Smoking Restrictions
Effective June 1, 2012
Building, maintaining or using an open fire is prohibited on all Los Alamos County lands except within developed campsites (concrete pad with metal fire ring), metal grills using charcoal or propane are acceptable on North Mesa campgrounds, at Overlook Park and at any park within Los Alamos County.
Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3-feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
These restrictions will be in effect until the fire danger level is reduced to low.
SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST News:
Valles Caldera in July 2011 during the Las Conchas Fire. Photo by Greg Kendall/ladailypost.com
Beginning this morning at 8:00 a.m. the Santa Fe National Forest, Valles Caldera National Preserve and NM State Game & Fish properties along NM 63 in Pecos will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions due extreme fire danger.
“Increasing temperatures, coupled with lower humidity levels, prolonged drought conditions, and forecasted heavy winds has increased the potential for dangerous fires, and the need to implement precautionary measures,” announced Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor, Maria T. Garcia. “Restrictions provide added protection for the public and natural and cultural resources, while still allowing visitors to safely enjoy their public lands,” added Dennis Trujillo, Valles Caldera Executive Director.
First level (Stage 1) restrictions limit campfires to Forest Service designated camp and picnic grounds where grills and fire rings are provided. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles or buildings, in developed recreation sites, or in areas cleared at least three feet in diameter of all flammable material. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of fire work or other pyrotechnic device is also prohibited.
Campfires will be allowed within NM Department of Game & Fish properties along NM 63 within the Pecos Canyon. Properties include: Monastery Lake, Bert Clancy Campground, Terrero Campground, Jamie Koch Campground and Day Use Area, Links Tract and Mora Campground.
Gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.
For more information regarding forest recreation opportunities and fire restrictions, please contact the Santa Fe National Forest at (505) 438-5300, or visit us online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe.
For general information regarding ongoing fire activity on the Santa Fe National Forest please call 1-877-971-3473, or visit www.nmfireinfo.com.
