Carson National Forest will enter Stage 2 fire restrictions across the forest beginning Tuesday, June 30, as officials work to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during heightened fire danger and as firefighters continue battling the Beehive Fire in northern New Mexico.
An overnight infrared flight mapped the Beehive Fire at 3,121 acres, with fire managers reporting no significant growth overnight. The Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire at 6 a.m. Monday.
Fire crews remain on the scene using a direct suppression strategy, working to stop flames at the fire’s edge wherever possible while prioritizing the protection of private land within the forest. Aircraft will be used as needed. The fire remains 0% contained with no evacuation orders issued as of print time.
Although no Red Flag Warning is in effect Monday, weather conditions continue to challenge firefighting efforts. Winds are forecast at 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-70s while relative humidity drops to near single digits.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, the following are prohibited throughout Carson National Forest:
- Building, maintaining or using campfires
- Charcoal grills
- Coal fires
Smoking is prohibited except inside an enclosed vehicle, building or developed recreation site.
Motor vehicle use is restricted to National Forest System roads unless a vehicle is parked in an area free of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
The order also bans the use of explosives, including fireworks, flares, exploding targets and other incendiary devices.
Operating chainsaws and other equipment powered by internal combustion engines is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Welding and operating acetylene or other open-flame torches are also prohibited.
Propane and liquid petroleum gas-fueled devices, including camp stoves and grills, remain allowed if they can be turned on and off and are used only in areas cleared of overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
Fire managers are also urging motorists to use caution and slow down along U.S. Highways 64 and 285, where periods of heavy smoke are reducing visibility. Hikers on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail are encouraged to avoid the section between Hopewell Lake and the Rio Grande National Forest until conditions improve.
The Beehive Fire was first reported about 1 p.m. June 26 north of U.S. Highway 64 in the Tusas Valley, about 15 miles west of Tres Piedras. The fire was spotted by the crew of a detection flight that had been dispatched to survey the forest following recent lightning activity.
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