BLM implements fire restrictions at Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave NCA and Lincoln Tracts

ROSWELL, N.M. – Due to high fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management is implementing fire restrictions on public land at the Fort Stanton – Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and the BLM-Rio Bonito Acquired Lands in Lincoln County. The restrictions go into effect at 8 a.m. March 25 and will remain in effect until further notice.

Prohibited acts include:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or a wood stove, including fires in developed sites and areas.
• 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.
• Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads, special attention should be paid to parking in areas only void of flammable material.

Also note that Fire Prevention Order # NM910-26-01 restricts fireworks and exploding targets statewide on BLM lands.

“The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety by minimizing the chances for wildfire starts,” said Fire Management Officer Nathan Curnutt. “Abundant dry fuels, high fire danger, and worsening fire conditions have prompted us to take this action.”

Anyone who is found guilty of violating a fire prevention order may be subject to prosecution under any applicable law or BLM regulation. A violation of the order may be classified as a Class A Misdemeanor Offense under 43 USC 1733(a) FLPMA, 18 USC 3559, and 18 USC 3571 Sentence of Fine – Sentencing Reform Act, Oct. 12, 1984. If the violation does not result in death, anyone who violates this order may be fined not more than $100,000. The BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires. For more information, please contact the BLM Roswell Field Office at 575-627-0272 or visit the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site. Additional information regarding fire restrictions, safety and conditions can be found on NMFireInfo.com.