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

Order Number 03-03-07-23-02

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – April 6, 2023 –The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has implemented Stage II Fire Restrictions per Order 03-03-07-23-02 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 maps as Exhibit A and B.

This Order shall be in effect from April 7, 2023, at 8:00 AM, through July 31, 2023, at 8:00 AM, unless rescinded.

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. 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).
• Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(i).
• Possessing or using a motor vehicle off NFS 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. § 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS

1. Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
3. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

DESCRIBED 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 maps as Exhibits A and B.

A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Official Order 03-03-07-23-02 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.