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

---

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.