National Forests in New Mexico Impose Campfire Restrictions

Fines and possible jail time

 

 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — National forests around New Mexico are imposing campfire restrictions to protect the health and safety of employees and communities during the coronavirus outbreak.

Forest officials from Taos to Alamogordo announced Wednesday that campfires will be prohibited through June 30 on all five forests and on national grasslands in New Mexico and neighboring Oklahoma and Texas.

They’re taking the step to prevent the drawdown of fire and medical resources to unwanted human-caused wildfires and to reduce firefighter exposure to COVID-19.

“While we know that going outside provides forest and grassland visitors needed space, exercise and satisfaction, we are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously,” said James Duran, the supervisor on the Carson National Forest. “We are providing some recreation opportunities where we can while protecting and keeping employees, the public and our communities safe from the virus and unwanted human-caused wildfires.”

See also  Builders Profit, Owners Worry Amid Disaster-Area Development

Violating the campfire restriction may result in an appearance in federal court, fines and possible time in jail.

While the restrictions are in place, the majority of the five forests in New Mexico are still open and camping outside of developed sites is allowed.

All contents © copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Topics

Fines and possible jail time     ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — National forests around New Mexico are imposing campfire restrictions to protect the health and safety of employees and communities during the coronavirus outbreak. Forest officials from Taos to Alamogordo announced Wednesday that campfires will be prohibited through June 30 on all five forests and […]

Get The Wildland Firefighter Newsletter

Related Articles

Cowboy Communications

Cowboy Communications

I’ve written and told a lot of stories about leadership in the fire service. What good leadership looks like and how to be a good leader, I’ve talked about it a lot. Episode #90 at BobbieOnFire.com is all about an important lesson from the Dude, South Canyon and...

Wildfire on Canada’s Atlantic Coast Spurs Evacuation of 16,000

Wildfire on Canada’s Atlantic Coast Spurs Evacuation of 16,000

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — A wildfire on Canada’s Atlantic coast has damaged about 200 houses and other structures and prompted the evacuation of 16,000 people, many of whom were eager to return Tuesday to see whether homes and pets had survived. Firefighters worked...