Fire Restrictions begin for Cibola National Forest
by Arlene Perea, U.S. Forest Service
ALBUQUERQUE, NM., April 8, 2011 – Beginning April 11, 2011 at 8:00 a.m., Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be placed on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service – Cibola National Forest. The restrictions will cover the following Ranger Districts: Magdalena, Mountainair and Sandia (three mountain districts). These restrictions will remain in force until rescinded.
Conditions this year are similar to the 2008 fire season with no end in sight to the dry conditions, above normal temperatures and winds. Weather predictions are indicating limited precipitation and above normal temperatures for the coming months, which could bring about an early fire season. Forest officials will continue to monitor the conditions on the ground daily.
STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
The following acts are prohibited on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service – Cibola National Forest until further notice:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except in U.S. Forest Service developed campsites and picnic grounds where grills and stoves are provided.
2. 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 materials.
3. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
The following persons are exempt from this order on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service – Cibola National Forest:
1. Persons with a permit that authorizes actions specifically prohibited by this order.
2. Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Owners or lessees of land within the restricted areas are exempt from prohibition 1 stated above, provided such fires are within their residence.
Visitors to the Cibola National Forest should always be aware of weather conditions and be careful with the use of fire outdoors. If visitors have questions or concerns please feel free to contact the U.S. Forest Service offices. You may also visit our website at http://fs.usda.gov/cibola or follow us on TWITTER @ Cibola_NF.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
District City Phone
Magdalena Ranger District Magdalena, NM 575-854-2281
Mountainair Ranger District Mountainair, NM 505-847-2990
Sandia Ranger District Tijeras, NM 505-281-3304