A stage 2 fire ban has been enacted in New Mexico, providing strict restrictions on open flame. This ban encompasses several wilderness areas in New Mexico, including: the Chama River Canyon Wilderness, the Dome Wilderness, the Pecos Wilderness and San Pedro Parks Wilderness.
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Wildfires have consumed tens of thousands of acres in New Mexico so far this season, leading to structure fires, evacuations and closures of roads and forests. Local governments, as well as the Forest Service, have taken measures to prevent more fires.
Burn bans and other fire restrictions are in effect in Taos County as windy, dry conditions have increased wildfire danger. The Carson National Forest has announced Stage 1 fire restrictions, which went into effect June 10. Stage 1 restrictions prohibit using fires, campfires, and wood- or charcoal- burning stoves except at developed recreation sites in Forest Service grills and stoves.
Smoking is also prohibited except within enclosed vehicles, buildings or developed recreation sites; smoking is also allowed within a three-diameter- or-greater area that is "barren or cleared of all flammable material." Fireworks are also prohibited.
"The public can still visit, hike and camp on the Carson National Forest provided they observe all Stage I restrictions," a Forest Service release states. "As these high-fire danger levels persist, campers should ensure campfire safety by making sure your fire is cold to the touch, or dead out."
The Santa Fe National Forest, including the Chama River Canyon Wilderness, the Dome Wilderness, the Pecos Wilderness and San Pedro Parks Wilderness, as well as the Valles Caldera National Preserve near Los Alamos, were placed under Stage 2 fire restrictions June 10.
Under the more stringent Stage 2 restrictions, prohibitions include smoking except inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, possessing fireworks, operating chainsaws or other internal combustion enginepowered equipment between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and welding or operating torches with open flames. Under Stage 2 restrictions, forest users are not allowed to take their vehicles off Forest System roads, and fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, wood and stove fires are not permitted.
According to information from the Forest Service, violations are punishable by fines of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, as well as imprisonment up to six months. Fire danger The Track Fire in Colfax County started Sunday (June 12) and threatened more than 200 homes in Ratón and led to power outages, evacuations and road closures — including Interstate 25 between Ratón and Trinidad, Colo.
By Tuesday night (June 13), the Track Fire had burned an estimated 24,034 acres and was 5 percent contained. Nine structures had been lost or damaged, including two New Mexico homes, two hunting cabins and five outbuildings. Its cause had not been determined as of that time.
According to information from U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman's, D-NM, office, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state's request for assistance with the Track Fire, making New Mexico eligible for funding through the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program.
Under such a grant, the federal government pays 75 percent of the cost of firefighting activities including equipment and supplies, emergency work and operations centers, mobilization and demobilization costs and temporary repair of fire damage. In Southern New Mexico, forest closures are in effect.
All 1.1 million acres of the Lincoln National Forest were closed to visitors effective May 12 because of fire danger. Portions of the 3.3-million-acre Gila National Forest were also closed June 10 "due to the large fire activity on the Wallow Fire and the very high fire danger." Western portions of several ranger districts have been closed.
"The area closure is a precautionary measure taken to protect the public and provide for firefighter safety while working to contain the Wallow Fire," Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell said. "This closure will remain in effect until post-fire threats to public safety are eliminated."
The Miller Fire in the Gila grew to nearly 90,000 acres, leading to road and trail closures and some evacuations. It is still being monitored and mopped up. The Wallow Fire started in Arizona's Apache National Forest, in the Bear Wallow Wilderness, May 29.
According to an update published Wednesday (June 14), the fire had grown to nearly 470,000 acres, threatening 2,714 residences and destroying 32 residences, four commercial properties, several dozen outbuildings and a vehicle. Now reportedly the largest wildfire in Arizona's history, the Wallow Fire has also led to seven injuries.
As of Wednesday morning, it was 20 percent contained and had spread into New Mexico. Both the Miller Fire and Wallow Fire were humancaused. The Loop Fire, in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, had reportedly grown to 25,000 acres by Wednesday (June 15) morning and was 25 percent contained at that point. Structures including park buildings and the community of White City are reportedly threatened.
Park employees and visitors were evacuated due to fire and smoke, with the park to reopen when conditions are safe. Taos County has instituted a "burn ban." According to a statement from the county, it has also implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions on public and private lands within the county in a coordinated effort with the Forest Service.
"Contributing to this decision are prolonged climate patterns of high winds, low atmospheric moisture, warm temperatures and dry soil and vegetative conditions," the county's statement reads. The Stage 1 restrictions apply to public lands as noted above.
For private lands, no new burn permits will be issued and previously issued permits are revoked. Campfires, bonfires and the open burning of grass, weeds, brush, scrap wood and similar materials are prohibited.
"Pressurized gas grills, stoves and lanterns are permitted," the release states. Red River has also implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions, and Tuesday (June 14) the County Commission instituted a ban on the use of fireworks.
The Taos Town Council approved its own burn ban Tuesday and instructed staff to look into restricting the sale of fireworks during times of high fire danger.
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