Carson National Forest Stage 1 Restrictions To Begin July 10, 2023

Forest Service News Release
Celeste Prescott
(505) 418-1038
celeste_prescott2@firenet.gov
www.fs.usda.gov/carson
CAF Implements Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Forest-Wide
TAOS, NM, July 5, 2023— The Carson National Forest (CAF) is planning to implement Stage 1 fire restrictions
forest-wide at 8 a.m. Monday, July 10 due to high fire danger and anticipated worsening conditions with persistent
hot and dry conditions. The National Weather Service, Albuquerque Field Office recently released the 2023 Monsoon
outlook stating that “Forecast confidence is high for a late monsoon onset with below average and above average high
and low temperatures in central and northern NM” indicating continuing high fire danger through the majority of
July.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are a proactive way to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire, protect natural and cultural
resources, and enhance public and firefighter safety. Forest managers use several criteria to determine when to
implement restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available
firefighting resources.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, building or igniting fires, campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves are not
allowed on CAF except for developed campsites or picnic areas with permanent fire rings or grills built and
maintained by the Forest Service. Campfires are prohibited at all dispersed camping sites on the west side of the
forest.
Stoves, grills, lanterns, and heaters fueled by propane or other liquified petroleum fuels that can be turned on and off
may be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of
the device. The Forest Service recommends that they meet the manufacturer’s safety specifications.
Smoking is only allowed in enclosed vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites, or while standing in an area at
least 3 feet in diameter that has been cleared of all flammable material. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are
always prohibited on national forests.
The CAF’s developed campgrounds are open for the season. Some require reservations through www.recreation.gov
but most are first come/first served. Although Stage 1 restrictions allow campfires in developed campgrounds, visitors
are asked to use extreme caution and follow campfire safety procedures. Never leave a campsite until the fire is
completely extinguished and cold to the touch.
Forest visitors are asked to use extreme caution when fire restrictions are in place. Violations are punishable as a Class
B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or by
imprisonment for not more than six months. Fire prevention and law enforcement will be patrolling, and anyone who
violates Stage 1 restrictions will be ticketed.
The forest order that places the CAF under Stage 1 fire restrictions will be posted on the CAF website and available at
all CAF offices. All current forest orders are posted on the Alerts and Notices page of the website.
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