Newsroom

FIRE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED ON THE CIBOLA NATIONAL FOREST

KIOWA AND RITA BLANCA NATIONAL GRASSLANDS STILL IN RESTRICTIONS

ALBUQUERQUE, July 10, 2008 - Cibola National Forest officials will end Fire Restrictions for the Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena and Mt. Taylor Ranger Districts effective Friday, July 11th at 8 a.m. Fire danger has decreased due to moisture and higher humidity over much of the Forest. Although restrictions are lifted, visitors are reminded to be careful with their campfires and/or the use of chainsaws.

Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose thanks the public for their patience and support during restrictions. “The restrictions effectively minimized fire occurrence, which could have resulted in high losses. I would like to commend all our firefighters for maintaining their state of readiness and efficiency during initial attack efforts on all fires. The community has been exceptional in supporting the restrictions and closures. We would like to thank everyone for their patience,” said Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose.

The public is reminded that campfire safety is still of concern year round, they need to follow fire safety precautions when recreating in the forest. If you have a campfire, please abide by the following rules:

•  Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, pine needles and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire.

•  Clear the area down to bare soil.

•  Keep your campfire safe and small, especially when it's windy.

•  Never leave your campfire unattended.

•  Drown the fire with water & dirt, stir remains, add more water and dirt, and stir again.

•  Do not bury coals as they can smolder and re-ignite later.

•  Make sure your fire is dead out before leaving.

•  The use of fireworks of any kind is strictly prohibited on all National Forest lands.

As a reminder the following closure and restrictions are still in effect for the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands:

•  Mills Canyon on the Kiowa National Grasslands remains closed because of extreme fire danger

•  Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove are prohibited.

•  Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed anywhere on the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands.

Restrictions:

•  Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed recreation site.

•  As always, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.

For current fire restriction information, visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola. For fire restrictions and other fire information for recreation sites in New Mexico, log on to www.nmfireinfo.com.

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