Sandia and Mountainair to begin Fire Restrictions April 22, 2013
Release Date: Apr 18, 2013
Karen Takai, Sandia Fire Information Officer,
Arlene Perea, Mountainair Fire Information Officer
Albuquerque, NM. April 18, 2013 – Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Acting Forest Supervisor Travis Moseley announced that the Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts will begin Stage I fire restrictions on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. “Due to ongoing drought conditions and increasing fire danger, these restrictions are necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires and to protect public health and safety,” Moseley said.
Stage I fire restrictions include:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a Forest Service developed recreation site, or improved site. Exceptions: The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are allowed providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
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.
Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.
In addition, possessing, discharging or using any kind of fireworks or pyrotechnic device is never allowed on a national forest.
The following are exempt from Stage I fire orders on public lands managed by the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands:
Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Resident owners and lessees of land, and holders of Forest Service recreation special use authorizations, within the restricted area are exempt from Restriction No. 1 above, provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
Moseley said that forest employees on all the districts regularly analyze conditions to assess the dryness of the vegetation by monitoring temperatures, humidity and precipitation. This information is used to determine whether fire restrictions are either enacted or elevated to a higher level.
Current fire restrictions for the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands are:
Mountainair Ranger District: Will begin Stage I Fire Restrictions on April 22, 2013.
Sandia Ranger District: Will begin Stage I Fire Restrictions on April 22, 2013.
Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands: No restrictions; fire conditions are currently moderate.
Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands: No restrictions; fire conditions are currently high.
Magdalena Ranger District: No restrictions; fire conditions are currently very high.
Mt. Taylor Ranger District: No restrictions; fire conditions are currently moderate.
To view the Stage I fire restriction orders :
In addition, fire restrictions information is also posted on a new national fire restriction website: http://firerestrictions.us/.
Useful fire websites:
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