BMN Wildfires and Campfires

Filed Under : Brian's Morning Newsletter by admin

May.15,2009

Brian’s Morning Newsletter for May 15th 2009

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Good morning
I’ve got a couple of links for you this morning pertaining to New Mexico fires and outdoor activities.
This first image has a click-able link and although it is probably gone already because they say this particular fire is 100% contained it caused our sky to turn red last evening with the ominous feeling of dread; forest fires!

Secondly, I have been looking through many websites to identify what the particulars of the wildfire warning that goes into effect today as mentioned on the local news.
From http://www.koat.com/news/19454822/detail.html
SANTA FE, N.M. —

Restrictions on fires, campfires and smoking go into effect in 20 New Mexico counties Friday because high winds and no rain have left parts of the state facing extreme fire danger.State Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Joanna Prukop and State Forester Butch Blazer announced the upcoming restrictions Wednesday.Blazer says the risk for catastrophic wildfire is increasing as temperatures rise and humidity levels fall.Restrictions cover non-municipal, non-federal and non-tribal lands in Catron, Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Guadalupe, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Mora, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt, San Miguel, Sierra and Socorro counties.Fire restrictions go into effect Thursday in the Lincoln National Forest and Friday in the Gila National Forest.

Obviously we want the facts, not just the words of the fear mongers. so we look at more links like this: http://www.nmfireinfo.com/
From what I gather campfires will be allowed as long as they are in proper fire rings in approved locations. So, this means, that this weekend we will need to build a few campfire areas and place signs approving them for use. This isn’t as bad as it sounds, indeed, these restrictions can bring the Tusas Campomento together. We will inform all campers to form a group and share one campfire and keep it small and under watchful eyes at all times. We have the 375 gallon tote and Jose also has one, and like years past when we’ve had similar wildfire warnings we will setup a truck capable of dispensing this water.

Plus, and I hope I don’t sound naive but this is the weather report for Saturday (tomorrow)

If I’m reading this properly, it says there is a slight chance of thunderstorms for tomorrow, Yes, obviously now would be a great time for a gully washer downpour, but we will take anything. Remember last year with the freaky snow storm on Friday afternoon. Brrr, it was cold.

So, while we are trying to keep a positive outlook, the weather isn’t cooperating, and on top of the dryness we have a new moon, so this year it’ll be dark. Bring your warm clothing, and battery powered lanterns, be prepared to enjoy the daytime and not so much the nights.

Y’all have a swell weekend, come on out and help us build fire pits and work on the Tusas horno if you like. The horno will no doubt be the warmest place to hang out if the camp fire restrictions become even more severe.

Also because of the camp fire restrictions we are thinking it will be a good time to bring group focus back to the center of the meadow this year, keep everyone together. We’ll try to keep the music volume level down to a less caustic level so being near the stage will be more pleasant.
Brian Rodgers

from http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/NM.php

Fire Restriction Definitions

Remember, FIREWORKS are ALWAYS illegal on public lands!!

Agency and tribal Fire Restrictions and Closures apply to undeveloped lands as well as to their developed recreation sites. Some agencies do not use levels or stages of restrictions; they either are or are not in restrictions as posted above.

To view official Agency Press Releases and Restriction or Closure Orders in detail, click here.

Stage ONE Restrictions:

Open campfires, charcoal grills and stove fires are prohibited, except in developed camp and picnic grounds where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided – these are usually areas that charge campsite fees. Sometimes, getting a campfire permit from the Ranger in developed campgrounds is also required. Check postings at the campground before starting your fire.

Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters usually are allowed. Again, check local postings to be sure.

Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within vehicles equipped with ashtrays and on paved or surfaced roads, within developed recreation sites or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Open burning, i.e., burning of cropland, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, or weed burning, is prohibited. At this level of fire restrictions, fire managers may use prescribed fire as a tool to reduce the risk of unwanted wildfire.

Stage TWO Restrictions:

NO OPEN FIRES!!! Which means that "building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, broiler, coal, or wood stove fire is prohibited" anywhere in the restricted jurisdiction- even in developed recreation sites. Public lands users are allowed to use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, or space-heating devices – check your gear before heading out to be sure it operates safely.

Smoking is only allowed inside an enclosed vehicle.

NO motor vehicles can be taken off road, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
Parking overnight in developed campgrounds and trailheads is usually allowed.

Internal or external combustion engines must have properly installed, maintained, and working spark arrestors.

Explosives (including fireworks) are prohibited.

Operating chainsaws, other equipment powered by an internal
combustion engines, and welding is usually restricted as well.

Stage THREE Restrictions authorize partial closure of affected areas.

Stage FOUR Restrictions call for total closure of affected areas.

Jeff Stahler
———————–
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