High temperatures, low humidity and spring winds have increased fire danger throughout southeastern New Mexico and as a result, the Bureau of Land Management's Pecos District is imposing Stage I fire restrictions for all public lands in Lincoln, Chaves, Lea, DeBaca, Guadalupe, Roosevelt and Eddy counties, according to a BLM news release.

The restrictions, which prohibit building or using a fire, campfire, charcoal or wood except in developed camping or picnicking areas, go into effect as of 8 a.m. today. Petroleum-fueled stoves are still allowed, the BLM said.

Smoking also is prohibited except within a closed vehicle or building, in a developed campsite or in an area cleared of all flammable materials within a 3-foot radius, the release said.

The Fort Stanton Area of Critical Environmental Concern and BLM public lands surrounding the town of Lincoln, already under Stage II fire restrictions, will be completely closed on Thursday.

And the entire Lincoln National Forest, currently under Stage I restrictions, also will shut down at 8 a.m. on Thursday, meaning most campgrounds and picnic areas are closed, as are all trails, according to the BLM release and the Alamogordo Daily News.

According to the El Paso Times, areas that will remain open in the Lincoln will be the Sunspot Astronomy and Visitors Center, and the following concessionaire campgrounds in the Sacramento Ranger District: Sleepy Grass picnic site, Upper Karr campground, all vistas, all trailheads and all dispersed sites. 

The state also has imposed a ban on campfires, fireworks, smoking and open flames on all nonmunicipal, nonfederal and nontribal lands in 23 New Mexico counties, according to the BLM and the Daily News.

The Mescalero Apache Reservation has banned outdoor burning, but allows campfires in designated campgrounds and recreation areas, the BLM said.

And the National Park Service has restricted camp stoves, smoking and charcoal fires at Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, according to the release. 

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