State fire restrictions in place

New Mexico's state forester placed statewide fire restrictions Monday because of the state's dry weather conditions.

Smoking, fireworks, campfires, open burning and open fires have been prohibited in New Mexico with few exceptions, according to a State Forestry Division press release.

The press release cited abnormally warm temperatures, low humidity, high winds as reasons for the restrictions because those fire activities pose fire danger throughout central and western New Mexico.

The following exceptions will be allowed:

• Smoking will be allowed in enclosed buildings, within vehicles equipped with ashtrays and on paved roads and developed recreation sites.
• Fireworks are allowed if they are part of a public exhibit approved by the local fire department.
• Campfire exceptions are granted where cooking or heating devices use kerosene, white gas, or propane as a fuel in an improved camping area that is cleared of flammable vegetation for at least 30 feet.
• Open burning is allowed if the cropland is irrigated, the burning is done with adequate planning, adequate personnel are present to monitor the burning and the burn area is secured.

Other exceptions may be requested, according to the state forester.