May 2, 2024 · Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

[NEWS RELEASE] Fire Restrictions announced for Pecos Canyon State Park

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor

Dylan Fuge, Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director

Contact:

Wendy Mason

Marketing & Public Relations Manager

NM State Parks Division

wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov

505-819-1785

Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer, EMNRD

sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

505-629-2900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 2, 2024

Fire Restrictions announced for Pecos Canyon State Park

Extremely dry conditions and multiple fire starts prompt action to prevent more fires

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico State Parks Division is announcing the implementation of Stage II fire restrictions for Pecos Canyon State Park in San Miguel County beginning Friday May 3, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.

“Due to dry conditions and two recent fire starts within outdoor recreation areas within Pecos Canyon, we feel it is prudent to restrict open campfires at this time,” State Parks Division Director Toby Velasquez. “F ire restrictions are a proactive way to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire, protect natural and cultural resources, and enhance public and firefighter safety.”

Stage II fire restrictions within Pecos Canyon State Park are detailed as follows:

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited.

The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device.

Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

These fire restrictions will remain in place until conditions improve. Visit the State Parks website and click on Park Alerts for more information on this announcement or potential restrictions at any of your 35 New Mexico State Parks found in 25 of 33 counties around the state.

New Mexico State Parks is a Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department . Our mission is to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of visitors.

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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and resource development services to the public and other state agencies. Learn more at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov