Current Conditions EXTREME FIRE DANGER throughout Lincoln County

Joe Kenmore

EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR

575-336-8600; cell 575-808-1381; fax 575-336-8638
jkenmore@lincolncountynm.gov

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The Office of Emergency Services (OES) is charged with coordinating several emergency management and public safety programs within Lincoln County.

Current Conditions

EXTREME FIRE DANGER
throughout Lincoln County.

STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS
in effect on Smokey Bear and Sacramento Districts 

EXTREME Fire Danger means that fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the very high fire danger class. Direct attack is rarely possible and may be dangerous except immediately after ignition. Fires that develop headway in heavy slash or in conifer stands may be unmanageable while the extreme burning condition lasts. Under these conditions the only effective and safe control action is on the flanks until the weather changes or the fuel supply lessens. “The implementation of fire restrictions is based on the current conditions within a geographical area and the goal is to help minimize human-caused fires during the peak fire season, which generally includes the end of May, June and early July, said Ryan Whiteaker, Fire Staff Officer, “we anticipate fire activity to increase, especially during the upcoming lightning season and minimizing or eliminating human-caused fires will contribute to the overall firefighting effort,” Whiteaker added. 

Under Stage II Fire Restrictions (Smokey Bear and Sacramento Districts), the following are prohibited: building, maintaining, or attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove; 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 cleared of all flammable material; using explosives; operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order; welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame; possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads and motorized trails (as shown on the motorized vehicle use map); and discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations. ALSO PROHIBITED: operating a chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. 

For more information on the long range burning forecast or to identify potentially favorable dates for open burning call Lincoln County Emergency Services Director, Joe Kenmore at 575-808-1381.

Notify Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 800-687-2419 of any intent to burn and to verify open burning status.

Many of you have done an excellent job on cleaning your properties. Piles of pine needles & slash line the streets waiting for pickup by GreenTree Solid Waste Authority

BUT - several lots, especially lots with no houses owned by out-of-towners, are far from being FIREWISE. In fact, they are FIRE HAZARD! Do you recognize your lot?  You should do something about its condition.  See last picture to know what it should look like.  Right now, in this extreme drought with windy conditions, your lot is a potential firestorm and endangering nearby homes and properties.

Dry grass, extremely flammable

Dead & down trees need to be removed

Low limbs are ladders to the tree top in a fire.
Trim up lower limbs, especially if they are dead.

Many of the past fires here in Alto were crown fires,
 racing along the tree tops. Awesome sight to watch,
but not something you want to see where you live.

Too crowded

Sure, you see green, but what about all the dead stuff around it?

EVERY PROPERTY OWNER  needs to do their part so we have a safe FIREWISE COMMUNITY

 the type of fire prevention work needed in Sun Valley - dead and downed trees removed or chipped, ladder fuel removed and grass trimmed

Rain Reports

Register to vote in the primary election

Lincoln County Clerk’s Office wants to remind the public Tuesday, May 8^th is the last day to register to vote to cast a ballot in the 2018 Primary Election.   Voter registrations dated and post marked by May 8^th will be processed if received by Friday May 11^th before the close of business.  As a reminder only voters registered as Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian party members can cast a ballot in the 2018 Primary Election!

One of the most convenient ways to register is to do so online through the Secretary of State’s Voter Information portal at:  http://www.sos.state.nm.us  you are required to have a New Mexico Driver’s License or MVD ID to use this process.    If you would like a paper form to register please call or come by the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office 1 800 687 2705 ext 6 and we will provide you with one.  

Also Registered Voters can check their Districts, Polling Locations, view Sample Ballots; and download an Absentee Ballot Application through the Secretary of State website or visit www.lincolncountynm.gov for similar resources.   Thank you as always for any assistance you provide by passing this information on to your readers and listeners.

Rhonda Burrows

Lincoln County Clerk

rburrows@lincolncountynm.gov