Mt. Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair, and Sandia Ranger Districts
Albuquerque, NM – April 27, 2022 – Based on high fire danger and severe fire weather conditions, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs) will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective April 29th at 8:00 a.m. per Order 03-0724. This order is for all National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the Cibola NF & NGs in counties of Cibola, McKinley, Socorro, Catron, Sierra, Torrance, Valencia, Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Lincoln within the State of New Mexico as depicted on the attached map at Exhibit A.
Forest supervisors and fire managers weigh aspects such as local, regional and national fire preparedness level, increased fire activity, expected weather conditions, user activities that relate to potential for increased human-caused ignitions, availability of resources and significant social, political, or economic impacts to move in and out of restrictions and closures. Considerations always include discussions to understand impacts and challenges with neighboring units, federal and non-federal. “We have carefully considered the fire outlook and determined that Stage 2 fire restrictions are needed to minimize the risk of human-caused fires,” Matt Rau, Fire Management Staff Officer.
Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following activities on the Cibola NF & NGs:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire.
- 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 cleared of vegetation and flammable material.
- Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Using an explosive of any kind. (Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on national forests.)
- Operating any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, including chainsaws, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Driving off designated roads. Visitors may park in areas cleared of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway, or in designated parking areas.
Visitors may use stoves, grills and lanterns fueled by propane or other liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels that meet manufacturer’s safety specifications. If you plan to visit the forest, be sure to practice One Less Spark vehicle safety guidelines by securing chains, checking tire pressure and properly maintaining your brakes.
Forest visitors are asked to use extreme caution when fire restrictions are in place. Violations are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or by imprisonment for not more than six months. The fire restrictions are in place until Dec. 31, 2022, unless rescinded earlier.
Federal, state and local officers and members of an organized rescue team or firefighting force are exempt from this order.
Official Order 03-0724 is posted on Cibola National Forest and Grasslands Alerts & Notices.
Previously announced Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the Cibola National Grasslands (TX, OK and NM)
- Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District: (Order: 03-0723) Stage 2 Fire Restriction effective on April 18, 2022.
- Black Kettle/McClellan Creek Ranger District – Oklahoma: (Order: 03-0722) Stage 2 Fire Restriction effective April 15, 2022
- Lake Marvin & McClellan Creek Texas Areas: (Order: 03-0719) Stage 2 Fire Restriction effective March 21, 2022
Additional information regarding fire restrictions call:
Magdalena Ranger District Office: 575-854-2281
Mountainair Ranger District Office: 505-847-2990
Mt. Taylor Ranger District Office: 505-287-8833
Sandia Ranger District Office: 505-281-3304
Black Kettle NGs Ranger District Office: 580-497-2143
Kiowa and Rita Blanca NGs Ranger District Office: 575-374-9652
Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office: 505-346-3900