Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District Under Stage II Fire Restrictions

April 15, 2022 by cibolanfng 0 Comments

Harding, Colfax, Mora, Union Counties within the State of New Mexico,
Cimarron County within the State of Oklahoma,
and Dallam County within the State of Texas

Albuquerque, NM – April 15, 2022 –The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has issued Stage II Fire Restrictions per Order 03-0723 on National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Cibola National Forest, Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District, as depicted on the attached map at Exhibit A and Exhibit B.

This Order will be in effect at 0800 AM on 18th of April, 2022, and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

PURPOSE To reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions.

PROHIBITED

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
Blasting, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(i).
Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b).
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 and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.56.
THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE PROHIBITED FROM 10.00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M.: Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h), (j).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. §261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the provisions in this Order:

Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

RESTRICTED AREA
All National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Cibola National Forest, Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District, as depicted on the attached map at Exhibit A and Exhibit B.

Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)).

Official Order 03-0723 is posted on Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Alerts & Notices

Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Kiowa/Rita Blanca Ranger District located in Clayton, New Mexico, telephone number (575)-374-9652, and at the Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, telephone number (505) 346-3900.