“Fire restrictions are about individual actions that protect our communities as a whole,” said EMNRD Acting Secretary Erin Taylor. “Nine out of 10 wildfires in the state are caused by humans, which means 9 out of 10 wildfires can be prevented. We’re asking that every resident and every visitor take extra precautions during a particularly risky wildfire season.”

The restrictions are in response to persistent dry and warm conditions across the state which are heightened by low humidity, high winds and abundant dry fuels across New Mexico’s forests and grasslands. The level of wildfire danger poses a threat to public safety, life, property and natural resources across the state.

 Under the restrictions the following are prohibited on non-municipal, non-federal and non-Tribal lands statewide:

• Smoking;
• Fireworks;
• Campfires;
• Prescribed, open, agricultural and/or debris burning;
• Flaring of gas related to oil and gas production. 

Exceptions are allowed for certain prohibited actions in specific cases or when specific conditions are met. The state forester may allow additional exceptions upon receiving a written request.

In Taos County state lands currently under fire restrictions include Eagle Nest Lake, the adjacent Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area and the Elliot Barker Wildlife Management Area, for example, as well as the Urraca Wildlife Management Area north of El Rito along N.M. 522. Restrictions also apply on state lands leased for oil and gas, renewable energy, agriculture and commercial uses.

Taos Fire and Rescue previously announced a ban on open burning across the Taos Fire District that went into effect March 30. It prohibits all open burning including agricultural burns, yard waste, recreational fires such as campfires and welding and other “hot work.” Taos County Fire Chief Michael Cordova indicated Monday that the county is weighing the need for fire restrictions and will announce its decision soon.

The Santa Fe National Forest has enacted Stage 1 fire restrictions. The Carson National Forest has not announced fire restrictions so far this year.

 “We’re already in a particularly high-risk period for above average fire potential, which is not expected to let up anytime soon,” State Forester Laura McCarthy said the press release. “Our current conditions are highly conducive to fires starting and spreading quickly. These restrictions are necessary to reduce that risk for the duration of this particularly hot, dry wildfire season.”

For detailed descriptions of restrictions and for the full list of restrictions and exceptions, visit the Division’s fire restrictions page at emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/find-current-fire-restrictions/. 

The National Weather Service’s long-range prediction for New Mexico shows the annual monsoon season arriving on time in July, and potentially bringing above-average precipitation. If monsoon rains are productive, the state could see fire restrictions lifted. However, high temperatures are predicted to persist, and high fuel loads will continue to pose a risk across the state.

Rain is forecast across much of the state including Taos County beginning Monday night and continuing into Tuesday (April 7), followed by a second series of showers later in the week.

"Light, but beneficial moisture will spread across the state today and Tuesday then again late in the week," according to a National Weather Service briefing on Monday. "Eastern New Mexico may get strong to severe storms for the first time this spring late in the week. "