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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Due to high fire danger and prolonged drought, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing fire restrictions on public lands in Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, McKinley, Sandoval, Socorro, Torrance and Valencia Counties. The restrictions will go into effect on April 29, 2022, at 12 a.m. and will remain in effect until further notice.

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, developed sites and areas, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Cutting or grinding metal, or using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame (hot work), except in areas cleared of flammable materials at least 10 feet in diameter and equipped with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces or 5 gallons of water and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
• 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 8 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 when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway. Allowed: Off road use in established off-highway vehicle areas.
• The use of any aerial luminaries, sky lanterns, wish lanterns, balloons or other items that are smoldering or have open flame attached for propulsion.
• Any “hot work” conducted by authorized contractors or permittees for, by or on BLM administered lands will follow permit stipulations provided by the BLM

The purpose of this order is for the protection of public health and safety by minimizing chances for wildfire starts. Abundant dry fuels, high fire danger, and worsening fire conditions, has prompted this action. The use of exploding targets and fireworks is already prohibited on all BLM lands in N.M by statewide order annually. All BLM N.M. prevention orders can be found here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.  Restitution for total costs of fire suppression or damage will be borne by the violator.

The BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires. For more information, please contact the BLM Albuquerque District Office at 505-761-8700 or the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site.  Additional fire restrictions information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com.