BLM Las Cruces District implements fire restrictions across public lands

From Staff Reports
·2 min read
Restricted acts include building campfires, smoking, setting off fireworks on BLM-managed land.
Restricted acts include building campfires, smoking, setting off fireworks on BLM-managed land.

LAS CRUCES - The Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District implemented fire restrictions on Monday, May 2 to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire on public lands in Doña Ana, Otero, Luna, Sierra, Grant and Hidalgo counties.

Restricted acts include building campfires, smoking and setting off fireworks on BLM-managed land.

The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice, according to a news release.

Prohibited acts include:

  • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove, including in campgrounds and picnic areas. Allowed: The use of stoves fueled by pressurized liquid or gas (can be turned off) within areas cleared of flammable materials at least 10 feet in diameter.

  • 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 a chainsaw or any other internal or external combustion engine without a U.S. Department of Agriculture or Society of Automotive Engineers approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than eight 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.

  • Any “hot work” conducted by authorized contractors or permittees for, by or on BLM land will follow permit stipulations provided by the BLM.

  • Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic or incendiary device and exploding targets is already prohibited year-round by statewide order on BLM lands.

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BLM imposed similar restrictions for public lands in eight counties in southeastern New Mexico.

The purpose of the restrictions is to minimize chances for wildfire starts.

The state has already been devastated by wildfire this year, including the McBride Fire near Ruidoso and the Calf Canyon/Hermit's Peak Fire, which is currently ablaze near Las Vegas, New Mexico.

The use of exploding targets and fireworks is already prohibited on all BLM lands in New Mexico by statewide order annually. All BLM New Mexico prevention orders can be found online at www.blm.gov. Additional fire restrictions information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com.

More: Fires hit Southwest, New Mexico's season 'dangerously early'

Violation of the prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Also, the violator may be responsible for paying back the costs of fire suppression or damages.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: BLM Las Cruces District implements fire restrictions across public lands