KRWG News – ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRWG) Increasing fire danger in southeastern New Mexico means tougher fire restrictions in Lincoln National Forest.
Officials say the forest will go to Stage 2 fire restrictions on Thursday, saying hotter temperatures and winds are drying out the vegetation.
The restrictions ban smoking except in enclosed vehicle or a building where it's allowed.
Campfires, fires and charcoal or stove fires can be built only within a Forest Service-developed recreational site that has fire rings and grills. The use is limited to campgrounds open to the public with a campground host present.
The restrictions also ban welding or operating torches with open flames or using any combustion engine without a proper spark-arresting device.
Chain saw use is not allowed from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. KRWG