Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts Both in Stage II Fire Restrictions
by Donna Nemeth, Public affairs Officer, USDA Forest Service, Cibola National Forest
Albuquerque, NM, July 13, 2016 – Continued hot and dry weather has increased the potential for fires on the Sandia Ranger District, prompting a change to Stage II fire restrictions. The Mountainair Ranger District remains in Stage II restrictions. The following are prohibited:
- Building or maintaining a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove
- Explosives, fireworks, or any pyrotechnic device
- Smoking, except in a vehicle or building or an area that has no vegetation such as a parking lot
- Chainsaws or other equipment powered by a combustion engine
- Welding or operating a torch with an open flame
- Using a motor vehicle off of National Forest System roads, except in developed campgrounds and trailheads and areas within 10 feet of the roadway where there is no vegetation
- Firearms
The Mount Taylor and Magdalena Ranger Districts remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions. The following are prohibited:
- Building or maintaining a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove except in developed areas such as campsites or picnic areas where grills are provided
- Explosives, fireworks, or any pyrotechnic device
- Smoking, except in a vehicle or building or an area that has no vegetation such as a parking lot
- Petroleum-fueled stoves, except an area that has no vegetation such as a parking lot
These orders will remain in effect until December 31, 2016, or until rescinded. Violations of this order are punishable by a fine of $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for organizations, and/or 6 months of imprisonment. If you have any questions about the fire restrictions, please contact the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990 or the Sandia Ranger District at 505-281-3304, or your local Ranger District.