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Monday, February 27, 2006

Cibola Forest Fire Restrictions Start Tuesday


Associated Press
      The Cibola National Forest will put fire restrictions into effect Tuesday, joining a growing list of agencies banning fires throughout New Mexico because of dry conditions and warm temperatures.
    The Cibola's restrictions prohibit campfires, charcoal grills and stove fires except in U.S. Forest Service developed campgrounds and picnic grounds that have grills. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters that meet safety specifications are allowed in certain areas.
    Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreational sites or while stopped in an area free of all flammable material for at least three feet in all directions.
    In January, similar fire restrictions were put in place on the Lincoln National Forest, the Kiowa and Rita Blanca national grasslands, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and state and private land in 14 New Mexico counties — Chaves, Colfax, Curry, DeBaca, Eddy, Guadalupe, Harding, Lea, Lincoln, Mora, Quay, Roosevelt, San Miguel and Union.
    Last year's wet conditions left an abundance of grass, which has become fuel for wildfires because of persistent dry, windy days.
    The long-term forecast is for above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation through March.

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