Santa Fe National Forest Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions  

Restrictions go into effect forest wide on Thursday April 2, 2026 

 
(Santa Fe, N.M., April 1, 2026) – Due to elevated wildfire risk, the Santa Fe National Forest will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions (Order # 03-10-00-26-03) forest-wide beginning Thursday, April 2, 2026, through September 30, 2026.   

The decision to implement fire restrictions is based on various factors, including the availability of firefighting resources, current drought conditions, weather forecast, the time of year, and fuel moisture levels. Implementing fire restrictions can help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety.  

What is prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions?  

• Building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes outside of a designated fire ring or grill provided by the Forest Service in a developed recreation area. Stoves, lanterns or heaters fueled by propane or other liquefied petroleum fuels may be used forest-wide in areas cleared of flammable materials within three feet of the device, if they meet manufacturer’s safety specifications and have on/off switches.   

• Smoking is only allowed in enclosed vehicles or buildings and developed recreation sites.    

For information on fire restrictions and updates from the Santa Fe National Forest, visit our website and social media pages (Facebook and X).    

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. 

 ### 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.