Lincoln forest to impose fire restrictions

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) – The Lincoln National Forest will be imposing fire restrictions on the Guadalupe Ranger District in southeastern New Mexico starting Sunday.

The Stage II restrictions will prohibit campfires as well as wood, coal and charcoal stoves and the use of fireworks. Smoking will be allowed only inside buildings or vehicles.

Welding or the use of any torch with an open flame will also be prohibited.

Officials say the fire danger rating for the forest’s Smokey Bear and Sacramento ranger districts has been elevated to “high” but no restrictions are in place for those areas.

Officials say the forest’s fire staff will continue to monitor conditions.

The latest drought forecast issued by the federal government on Thursday shows the southeastern corner of the state is dealing with moderate to severe drought conditions.