Know Before You Go! Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round

This Memorial Day weekend you can do your part to support firefighters by preventing human-caused wildfire ignitions. Fire restrictions may be in place at the location you plan to visit or where you live. You can do your part to prevent wildfires by learning about restrictions before you plan your weekend activities or any recreation on public lands this summer. 

Your NM wildfire cooperators are asking visitors to please recreate responsibly and help prevent human-caused wildfire ignitions. Continuing our “wildfire preparedness is year-round” campaign, our message for June is Know Before You Go! Here are a few things to keep in mind before planning your outdoor activities: 

• Always check for fire restrictions and closures in the area you plan to visit BEFORE you leave.
  • Stage 1: Prohibits building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site.
    • 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 material.
    • Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
  • Stage 2:  Prohibits building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove in any location.
    • 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
• Check weather conditions www.weather.gov BEFORE you leave. 
• Read information boards and signs for local regulations and safety information. 
• Make sure you are not dragging chains, parking on dry grass, and that all smoking-related embers are safely disposed of during your travel to and from public lands. 

The Guild and the Fire Adapted New Mexico learning network are working with the Santa Fe, Cibola and Carson National Forests, New Mexico Forestry Division, New Mexico Coalition of Conservation Districts, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Land Management New Mexico to continue in 2024 a wildfire preparedness calendar and share the message across multiple platforms, including social media, webinars and community events. Bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage to follow the campaign throughout the year.