National Park Service’s Pueblo Parks Group Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions 

National Park Service News Release 

For Immediate Release:  April 21, 2022 

For further information contact:

Bandelier – Joanie Budzileni, joanie_budzileni@nps.gov, 505-672-3861, x1501

Fort Union – BJ Cluff, bj_cluff @nps.gov, 505-425-8025 x226

Pecos – Becky Latanich, becky_latanich@nps.gov, 505-757-7210

Valles Caldera – David Krueger, david_krueger@nps.gov 505-412-0826

Los Alamos, Watrous, Pecos, Jemez Springs, New Mexico – Due to the increased risk of wildfire in the region, the Pueblo Parks Group, which includes Bandelier National Monument, Fort Union National Monument, Pecos National Historical Park, and Valles Caldera National Preserve, will enter Stage II fire restrictions effective 8:00 am tomorrow, April 22, 2022. These restrictions are necessary to help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires.

Under Stage II restrictions:

• All fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, or heating devices is allowed three feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles.
• Smoking is prohibited, except in enclosed vehicles or buildings.
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame is prohibited.
• Operating or using any internal combustion engine off paved or graveled roads is prohibited. Generators are allowed if equipped with an approved spark arresting device and used in an area that is barren or clear of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.
• The use of all firearms (except those engaged in a lawful hunt) and explosives are prohibited, including but not limited to, fuses or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary ammunition.
• The operation of motor vehicles off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas is prohibited, except when parking in an area devoid or vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.

Several criteria are used to determine when to implement fire restrictions, including fire activity levels, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, and the availability of firefighting resources. Fire restriction criteria are routinely evaluated, and restrictions could be upgraded or downgraded at any time. Therefore, visitors should check the park’s website for alerts.

Know before you go. Fire restrictions and information for New Mexico can be found at: NM Fire Info | New Mexico Fire Information

www.nps.gov