SANTA FE – In New Mexico, July usually marks the beginning of monsoon season, and with monsoons comes lightning, but not always rain. As Fourth of July approaches, remember fireworks are always illegal on National Forest Lands and in national parks no matter what day of the year. Let's work together to prevent unwanted human-caused fires for the month of July!  

The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Forestry Division is working with local, state, federal, and Tribal partners and non-governmental organizations to provide monthly wildfire preparedness tips and information. This month's "Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round" Message is "Celebrate with One Less Spark!" 

Leaving fireworks to the professionals reduces the risk of injury, unintentional wildfire starts, roof damage, and litter. Consider celebrating with safer, alternative methods: 

Glow sticks – safe for all ages! 

Noisemakers. 

Outdoor movie night with a projector. 

Finding professional fireworks show nearby. 

Going camping or out to a Picnic area this 4th of July weekend? Here are some tips for your trip: 

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. 

Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings and fire pans. 

Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. 

Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely with a tool and water, then scatter cool ashes. 

Check weather conditions BEFORE you leave. New Mexico Weather Info:; https://www.weather.gov/abq/v 

Read information boards and signs for local regulations and safety information. 

Make sure you are not dragging chains, parking on dry grass, and that all smoking-related embers are safely disposed of during your travel to and from public lands.

Ensure your vehicle is prepared for travel with supplies and tools. 

You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 14-days of any 30-day period at the same dispersed site. Pack-In.

Pack-Out. 

Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. 

Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. 

Be considerate to the Land, wildlife, and other visitors. 

Be our eyes and ears. Report wildfires, during fire restrictions illegal campfires, trash burning on windy days, or careless cigarette use to land management agencies, State Police, or the sheriff's department immediately. 

Be prepared for Emergencies, have at the ready your local Police/Emergency Services phone numbers and locations. 

Remember, firefighting professionals are usually busy and stretched thin during Fourth of July week. By limiting unwanted sparks due to fireworks, campfires, and BBQs, everyone can do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires this summer.  
 
To check for fire restrictions in your area visit: https://nmfireinfo.com/fire-restrictions / If there are no fire restrictions currently in place, it does not mean wildfire risk is nonexistent. Recreate responsibly so all can enjoy this year's Independence Day! 

The New Mexico Forestry Division is working with the Forest Stewards Guild and FACNM, the Santa Fe, Cibola and Carson National Forests, New Mexico Coalition of Conservation Districts, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Land Management New Mexico to continue our wildfire preparedness calendar in 2023 and share the message across multiple platforms, including social media, webinars and community events. Bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage to follow the campaign throughout the year.