Single Publication

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect on the Santa Fe National Forest lands west of the Rio Grande as of 8:00 a.m. Thursday, July 27. All Santa Fe National Forest lands east of the Rio Grande are in Stage 1 fire restrictions allowing for campfires and charcoal grilling ONLY in designated forest campgrounds and picnic areas.

Stage 2 fire restrictions PROHIBIT the following activities:

• Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, on a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of vegetation and flammable material.
• Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• Operating any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, including chainsaws, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Driving off designated roads. Visitors may park in areas cleared of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway, or in designated parking areas.

Stage 1 fire restrictions PROHIBIT these activities:

• Building, maintaining, or using a campfire, charcoal fire, or stove fire EXCEPT in a designated Forest Service campground or picnic are in a manufactured structure built for that purpose. 
• Smoking, except with an enclosed vehicle or building, on a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least (3) three feet in diameter cleared of vegetation and flammable material.

Visitors may use stoves, grills and lanterns with an on/off switch fueled by propane or other liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels that meet manufacturer’s safety specifications.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are a proactive way to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, protect natural and cultural resources, and enhance public and firefighter safety. Forest visitors are asked to use extreme caution when fire restrictions are in place.