New Fire Restrictions For New Mexico National Forests

Above, the "no campfires" notice at the entrance to Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As I have mentioned previously, it is hot and dry in the northwest section of New Mexico.

The Department of Agriculture, which oversees the U.S. Forest Service, has issued new fire restrictions for New Mexico national forests, including Cibola National Forest.

The Albuquerque Journal reported:

Stay-at-home orders have been in place since mid-March. 

New Mexico is home to world-class trails and hiking areas. 

As the weather is getting warmer and the eventual easing of said stay-at-home orders, the United States Department of Agriculture announced new fire restrictions last week for Carson, Cibola and Santa Fe National Forests last week. 

The move is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire based on current and forecasted conditions, including very low fuel moisture levels and severe fire weather conditions. 

According to a release, the restrictions will also help protect the health and safety of firefighters and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The restrictions will be implemented forest-wide on the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests and on the Mount Taylor, Magdalena, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.

I go off-roading in my Jeep in the Six Mile Canyon area of the Cibola National Forest, which is in the Mount Taylor ranger district. The forest abuts our community of Jamestown, New Mexico.

To read more, go here.