Smoky skies and new fire regulations in the Sacramentos

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - On Wednesday morning, Borderland residents woke up to an orange sun and a layer of smoke hovering over the Organ Mountains. The smoke is coming from the Black Fire, currently burning in the Gila Wilderness due west of Truth or Consequences, and over 100 miles northwest of Las Cruces.

The Black Fire is fairly new, but has been spreading rapidly- already burning over 77,000 acres after sparking just four days ago. Other major fires burning across New Mexico are the Bear Trap Fire with over 17,000 acres burned, the combined Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fire burning a massive 300,000 plus acres in the Sangre de Christo Mountains, the Cerro Pelado at over 45,000 acres and the Cooks Peak fire nearly at 60,000 acres burned.

As the fires continue to rage, officials from the nearby Lincoln National Forest have upgraded to Level III Fire Restrictions. No charcoal briquets or outdoor burning stoves are allowed, no gas or pellet grills, no outdoor smoking, no fireworks, no campfires, chainsaw use is prohibited from 10AM-6PM, and np welding is allowed in the Village of Ruidoso. These restrictions will become effective on May 19, 2022.