EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — New Mexico is enacting fire restrictions in close to 20 counties to combat dry conditions in the southern part of the state, the New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources said in a news release.
Fire restrictions are being enacted in the following counties: Catron, Chaves, Cibola, De Baca, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Roosevelt, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia.
They will remain in effect until rescinded, the news release said.
“The restrictions come as a response to the increasingly dry and warm conditions in southern New Mexico — conditions heightened by low humidity, high winds and the abundance of dry fine fuels across our forests and grasslands,” the news release said.
The following restrictions apply to non-municipal, non-federal and non-tribal lands in the counties listed above.
Prohibited
• Smoking
• Fireworks use
• Campfires
• Prescribed burning or open burning
• Flaring of gas related to oil and gas production
Exceptions
• Exceptions are allowed for many of the prohibited actions in specific cases, or when specific conditions are met.
• The state forester may allow additional exceptions upon receiving a written request.
“In the face of significant wildfire potential, we need every New Mexican to take active steps to reduce the likelihood of an accidental wildfire start,” State Forester Laura McCarthy said. “These restrictions are needed because of current wildfire threats and the rising probability of dangerous wildfires as temperatures warm through May and June.”
The National Weather Service’s long-range prediction for New Mexico expects the annual monsoon season to arrive on time, starting in July. If this proves true and the monsoonal rains are productive, the state could see these restrictions lifted, the news release said.
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