Dry conditions bring fire restrictions

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - With the 4th of July holiday weekend fast approaching, New Mexico public land managers are reminding the public of fire restrictions in place at various locations across the state.

New Mexico has felt the effects of many human-caused fires this year. In 2010 to date, 584 wildfires have burned in New Mexico and 412 or 70 percent were human-caused, burning over 35,600 acres. Half of New Mexico’s 31 large fires of 100 or more acres were human-caused and have burned almost 30,000 acres; the first such fire starting January 20.

Following are some of the causes of wildfires in New Mexico in past years:

• Each year, many wildfires are caused by vehicles with hot catalytic converters parking on dry vegetation.
• Weed-eaters, chainsaws, welders, and other internal combustion engines have caused numerous fires even when their use was not prohibited.
• Improperly maintained brakes and wheel bearings, especially in trailers, have triggered some fires.
• Discarded charcoal and glass are responsible for a number of fire starts.

New Mexico State Forester Butch Blazer cautioned that fireworks are not allowed on federal and state public lands in New Mexico.

“To protect their homes and their communities, private landowners need to take responsibility for using fireworks safely in areas where there are no restrictions," Blazer said.

Despite recent rain throughout much of the state, the short-term outlook calls for lightning activity throughout the week and a possible drying trend this weekend.

Fire restrictions are still in effect for many parts of New Mexico. The following areas have fire restrictions:

• National Forests – Carson, Santa Fe, Cibola National Forests. There are also several area closures in effect in Santa Fe National Forest due to fire activity.
• Tribal/Agency Lands – Each area has a variation of closures and restrictions. Check locally for compliance requirements.
• National Park Service - National Parks and monuments maintain differing restrictions on cooking and campfires year round. Check locally for compliance requirements.
• National Wildlife Refuges - Open fires of any type are prohibited on these refuges year-round.
• State Parks and State lands—Both Fenton Lake and Hyde Memorial State Parks are observing Stage 1 fire restrictions as is the surrounding Santa Fe National Forest.

Fire restriction information can change daily. For specific information on New Mexico fire restrictions and closures, visit the New Mexico Interagency Fire Information website or contact the center by telephone toll free at 1-877-864-6985.