COUNTY News:

Fortunately, recent precipitation and milder temperatures have produced a decrease in the fire danger for Los Alamos County. The Los Alamos County Fire Department (LAFD) will lift Stage 1 restrictions today at noon.

The previous fire restrictions were based on dry conditions and higher-than-normal temperatures. Several criteria are utilized to determine when to impose or lift fire restrictions, which include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. The arrival of monsoonal moisture has eased the dry conditions that led to restrictions and decreased fire danger to moderate.

“LAFD thanks all of our residents and visitors who adhered to the Stage 1 restrictions to help us reduce the fire danger during the recent high fire danger conditions,” LAFD Fire Marshal Jeff Wetteland said. “Even though the Stage 1 restrictions are being rescinded, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and continue to use caution with campfires or activities that can result in a wildland fire.”

Camp fires are allowed on private property and at the Camp May camping areas in an approved fire ring/burn container with the surrounding areas free of vegetation; however, a water supply must be available (preferably a garden hose or buckets of water). The fire must be constantly attended/supervised by a responsible party able to extinguish the fire, and no burning of yard waste (weeds, grass, leaves, slash, brush, garbage) is allowed. Burning of firewood for entertainment purposes or cooking is allowed.

Wetteland asked residents to be aware of wind conditions in order to avoid burdening neighbors with smoke, embers, etc. LAFD personnel have the right to stop any and all burning operations that pose a danger or a burden to the surrounding public.

Residents with questions are asked to call Wetteland in the Fire Marshal’s Office at 505.662.8305.