Extra fire restrictions for SF national forest start May 7

Chicoma Fire now contained

More fire restrictions will go into effect for the Santa Fe National Forest next week amid worsening drought conditions statewide.

Starting May 7, all campfires, as well as charcoal, coal or wood stoves, are prohibited on forest land, with the exception of lanterns, grills or heating devices fueled by petroleum or propane, according to a Thursday news release.

Under the Stage 2 fire restrictions, welding or operating a torch with an open flame is prohibited and smoking can be done only in an enclosed car or building. Using a motor vehicle off Forest Service roads is prohibited, but cars can still be parked overnight at Forest Service-developed campgrounds and trailheads.

As always, the use of fireworks is not allowed on forest land.

The announcement of the new restrictions come the same day that the Forest Service announced that crews have contained the 42-acre Chicoma Fire west of Española.

The city of Santa Fe last week introduced a resolution that restricts the use or sale of fireworks in the city limits as it is predicted that windy and dry conditions will continue in the coming weeks. The resolution is scheduled to go before the City Council May 30.

Open burning like campfires, bonfires and pit barbecues is restricted under the city resolution, along with the burning of weeds, trash or other vegetation. Charcoal grills and ATVs or motorcycles cannot be used in public parks or recreation areas, and smoking will be prohibited in all parks, recreation areas or public trails.