BLM Instituting Fire Restrictions in Southern New Mexico

The Las Cruces, N.M., district of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management is instituting fire restrictions.

The restrictions will go into effect April 13 because of high to extreme fire conditions.

The order covers land administered by the BLM in Otero, Luna, Dona Ana, Sierra, Grant and Hidalgo counties.

Smoking is banned except in enclosed vehicles or buildings.

The restrictions prohibit charcoal and wood burning except in established campfire rings and grills at the Aguirre Springs Campground, La Cueva Picnic area and Three Rivers Petroglyph and Picnic Area.

Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices meeting Fire Underwriters’ Laboratories specifications are allowed.

Fireworks or explosives requiring fuse blasting caps are outlawed.

Violators can be fined up to $1,000 and jailed for up to a year or both.