SANTA FE – State fire restrictions are in effect across New Mexico, including on all State Game Commission lands managed by the New Mexico Department of Wildlife.
On Monday, April 6, the Department issued fire restrictions on all State Game Commission lands, including the Department's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). This comes after New Mexico state forester Laura McCarthy announced a ban on smoking, fireworks, campfires, grills and stoves and prescribed burns on all non-municipal, non-federal and non-Tribal lands statewide. The restrictions went into effect at 8 a.m. Monday, April 6, pursuant to New Mexico Statute § 68-2-8 (2025) and other sections of the Forest Conservation Act § 68-2-1 to 68-2-25 (1978) and 19 NMAC 20.3. More information can be viewed on the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Forestry Division's fire restrictions webpage.
The public is asked to observe and obey any posted signs. Department conservation officers will also be engaging in increased patrols in an effort to ensure that these restrictions are being followed in the interest of human safety.
Restrictions on WMAs also extend to New Mexico State Parks and state trust lands managed by the State Land Office. Anglers, campers and hikers who use these areas are urged to check restrictions before they travel.
Exceptions apply for cooking devices that use kerosene, white gas or propane as a fuel in an improved camping area that is cleared of flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet.
Other exceptions may be requested via the Forestry Division's fire restrictions webpage. For more information about fire restrictions across the state, please visit the New Mexico Fire Information website.
