Bureau of Land Management, Carson implement burning restrictions amid ‘very high’ fire danger
Due to increased fire danger and prolonged drought, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing immediate fire restrictions on public lands in Taos, Colfax, Harding, McKinley, Mora, Quay, Rio Arriba, San Juan, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Union counties, according to a press release.
The BLM announcement came as fire restrictions took effect across the Carson National Forest last Friday (April 29), banning fires, campfires, charcoal grills and coal and wood stoves anywhere outside of Forest Service-built fire rings or grills at developed campsites or picnic areas. The Forest Order is available on the Carson National Forest website.
Carson National Forest officials raised the fire danger level from “high,” to “very high,” last Friday afternoon, a spokesperson told the Taos News, and on Monday (May 2) the fire danger level was raised to the highest category, “extreme.”
“We haven’t seen such fire risk for this time of year since 2018,” said Richard Sack, fire management planning specialist with the Carson National Forest. “April was unique because of the seemingly constant winds coupled with very dry air. That has rapidly dried out wildland fuels, which are anticipated to be at record lows moving further into May. With no signs of significant rainfall in the foreseeable future, we only expect conditions to worsen until we receive significant precipitation area-wide.”
The fire danger level in the neighboring Santa Fe National Forest is also considered “extreme.”
Stage II fire restrictions took effect April 23 in the Santa Fe, where the massive Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires are burning across nearly 150,000 acres between Las Vegas and Mora. A forest closure order that prohibits the public from accessing “National Forest System Lands, roads and trails within the boundaries of the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District,” went into effect April 30.
Violations of the BLM order are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Restitution for total costs of fire suppression or damage will be borne by the violator.
The BLM restrictions, which include a ban on campfires, will remain in effect until further notice, according to the release.
Stoves fueled by pressurized liquid or gas are permitted on BLM land within any area of at least 10 feet in diameter that is cleared of flammable materials.
“Any ‘hot work’ conducted by authorized contractors or permittees for, by or on BLM must follow permit stipulations provided by the BLM,” the release said.
Prohibited acts on BLM land within the Farmington District, which includes several popular recreation areas along the Rio Grande, include:
• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, including in campgrounds and picnic areas.
• Smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed sites and areas, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating a chainsaw or any other internal or external combustion engine without a U.S. Department of Agriculture or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
• Possessing or using a motor vehicle off roads, except routes in areas open to off-highway vehicle travel and except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
The purpose of this order is for the protection of public health and safety by minimizing chances for wildfire starts. Abundant dry fuels, high fire danger and worsening fire conditions has prompted this action. The fire prevention order is available at blm.gov/sites/ blm.gov/files/docs/2022-04/firerestrictions-farmington-districtoffice-220427.pdf.
The use of exploding targets and fireworks is already prohibited on all BLM-managed lands in New Mexico by statewide order. For more information on this statewide order, visit blm.gov/ sites/blm.gov/files/docs/2022-01/ Fire-Prevention-Order-NM91022-01-final-508.pdf.
For more information, please contact the BLM Farmington District Office at 505-564-7600 or the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site.