Fires in central and southern New Mexico and continued critical fire weather conditions have prompted the Bureau of Land Management to issue Stage 1 fire restrictions for most of the southern part of the state, the Las Cruces Sun-News is reporting.

The restrictions, which will continue until further notice, affect public land in Dona Ana, Otero, Luna, Sierra, Grant and Hidalgo counties, the Sun-News said.

The following activities are prohibited:

* Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

* Possessing or using fireworks or using any explosives.

* Operating a chainsaw without an approved spark control device or having a fire extinguisher or shovel nearby, which is immediately available to the operator.

* Welding, operating acetylene or any other torch with an open flame, except within a 10-foot clear area.

* Burning solid fuels, except inside established campfire rings and grills within the Aguirre Spring Campground and La Cueva picnic area, Three Rivers Petroglyph and Picnic Area and except for those using fuel stoves, lanterns or heaters that meet specific regulations.

Violating these restrictions could result in a fine of $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of up to six months, or both, the Sun-News said. 

For other fire restrictions already in effect or going into effect around New Mexico -- including State 1 restrictions in the Mountainair Ranger District in the Cibola National Forest beginning on Monday, here's the latest from The Associated Press. 

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