Lincoln National Forest Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
The Lincoln National Forest implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective April 19, 2022, due to increasing fire activity and dry conditions. The increased fire danger is due to insufficient moisture and dry fuel conditions across the forest.
“Fire officials use several criteria to determine when to modify fire restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moistures, fire activity, and available firefighting resources. These restrictions reduce the risk of unwanted human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions,” explained Fire Staff Officer David Bales.
The following are prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,
Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal grills and briquettes, except in a Forest Service-provided fire structure (i.e., metal ring, permeant on-site grill) within developed campgrounds and day-use areas. Propane grills, stoves, and lanterns with an on/off switch are still permitted.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.
Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are ALWAYS prohibited on National Forests.
Violators of the above restrictions are subject to fines and/or imprisonment.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation to help keep our forest, firefighters, and local communities safe,” stated Forest Supervisor Travis Moseley. “Campfires and charcoal fires in developed campgrounds and picnic areas are allowed but only in Forest Service rings and BBQs. Propane grills are also still allowed, however, open fires in any other part of the forest are prohibited.”
The southwest region (AZ and NM) also announced on April 19, 2022, that they are now in Preparedness Level 4. This means the region is experiencing numerous complex wildfires requiring Incident Management Teams, and a significant number of the region’s wildland fire resources are committed to fires already.
