Stage II Fire Restrictions to begin on the Mount Taylor, Mountainair, and Sandia Ranger Districts

Albuquerque, NM. April 30, 2018 – Drought conditions continue throughout the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.  To reduce the risk of human caused fires, the fire restriction level will increase to Stage 2 on the Mount Taylor, Mountainair, and Sandia Ranger Districts. Stage II fire restrictions will be effective at 8:00 a.m. on the following dates:

• Mount Taylor – April 30, 2018
• Mountainair – May 4, 2018
• Sandia – May 11, 2018

Stage II fire restrictions include:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove.     Exceptions: The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, or heating devices is allowed, provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specification for safety and has a turn-off valve.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at 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.
3. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
4. Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun.
5. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
6. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order. They must meet either USDA Forest Service or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice
7. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
8. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway or overnight parking in Forest Service-developed campgrounds and trailheads.
9. Many enjoyable activities are available forest-wide, even though fire restrictions are in place.  All campgrounds, picnic areas and trails are open; however, please use extreme caution when recreating as conditions are very dry.