SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will implement fire restrictions on May 23, 2025, to reduce the risk of wildfire on public lands in the Albuquerque and Las Cruces Districts. This includes public lands in Bernalillo, Catron, Cibola, Doña Ana, Hidalgo, Grant, Luna, McKinley, Otero, Sandoval, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia counties.
Prohibited acts include:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or a wood stove other than in a developed campsite and or picnic areas.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic or incendiary device and exploding targets is already prohibited year-round by statewide order on BLM lands.
“Ongoing drought and low snowpack this past winter has impacted vegetation in the southwest and west central portions of the state. We expect fire danger to remain elevated in these areas until monsoon moisture arrives. With the public’s cooperation, we can prevent new fire starts,” said BLM State Fire Management Officer Will Briggs.
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Restitution for total costs of fire suppression or damage will be borne by the violator.
Exemptions to the restrictions include: Any federal, state, local and/or military employee acting within the scope of their duties; members of any rescue or firefighting force performing official duty; and persons, agencies, municipalities or companies with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act. An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by an exempted activity.
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 575-761-8700, BLM Las Cruces District Office at 575-525-4300, or reference the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site. Additional fire restrictions information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com.
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