Lincoln Forest Issues Higher Fire Restrictions

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) – Stricter fire restrictions will go into effect in the Lincoln National Forest starting tomorrow.

Acting forest supervisor Lou Woltering says the Stage Two fire restrictions are needed because of high fire danger in the area. Under the restrictions, campfires, charcoal and fireworks are prohibited. And motor vehicles can only be used on forest service roads.

The use of chain saws or other similar equipment is prohibited from 10 am to 1 am. Fire Management Staff Officer Paul Schmidtke says the forest received no significant precipitation this winter.

He says additional fire crews, engines and air support have been hired for this fire season. Schmidtke says forest staffers also are considering closing parts of the forest.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) AP-NY-04-19-06 1405EDT