N.M. Admin. Code § 19.20.3.8

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 21, November 5, 2024

Section 19.20.3.8 - RESTRICTIONS

Whenever warranted by climatic conditions, drought, fire danger, fire frequency, fire behavior or other factors affecting danger of forest fire, the state forester may order restrictions or closures which place limitations on the use of fire or order the immediate extinguishment of fires to help reduce the potential of forest fires as follows:

A. Smoking, Campfires, Open Fires or Equipment Usage: Restrictions on smoking, campfires or open fires may be imposed in specifically defined areas. Use of logging equipment or other equipment increasing the risk of forest fire may also be limited to specified hours of operation on state and private land.

(1) Smoking may be restricted to designated areas, within structures or within vehicles equipped with ashtrays while on paved or surfaced roads. Open fires or campfires may be restricted to developed campgrounds or in areas designated in writing by the landowner and chimneys of wood burning stoves must be equipped with approved spark arresters; access to land is not limited.

(2) Use of logging equipment may be limited to specified hours of operation by the division.

(3) The state forester may allow exceptions to these restrictions with written notification.

B. Closure: Closures will be imposed in specifically defined areas when widespread drought conditions, extreme fire danger, fire frequency, fire behavior and other factors exist within an area of the state that pose a threat to public safety, life, property and the natural resources of the state. All open fires, open burning and operation of equipment (i.e., chainsaws, cutting torches, welders, etc.) are prohibited without the prior written approval of the state forester. Access to private lands is limited to landowners and persons with the landowners written permission.

N.M. Admin. Code § 19.20.3.8

11/14/79, 12/19/89, 12/31/96; Recompiled 12/31/01