Los Alamos County Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions May 4, 2025

Published on April 30, 2025

Due to ongoing dry conditions and prevailing high winds, Fire Marshal Colorado Cordova of the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) has enacted fire restrictions to Stage 1 effective May 4, within the boundaries of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos to safeguard public health and safety, as well as protect lands, structures, natural and historical artifacts.

Under the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Order 25-01, stringent restrictions and conditions are imposed as follows:  

1. Building, maintaining and use of outdoor fires including campfires and recreational fires of any kind and outdoor cooking is prohibited, unless

·                   the fire is built on a developed campground or picnic area open to the public, and contained in a structure designed for the containment of fires, such as a metal ring or fire pit; or 

·                   the fire is built on a site free of nearby vegetation and combustible materials, with a spark arrestor screen in place. 

·                   the outdoor cooking is conducted on a device built for outdoor cooking and equipped with fire containment protections, such as a charcoal grill, pressurized gas or propane-fire grill with a lid that closes, or with pellet stove, or electric cooking device.

2. Fires and outdoor cooking allowed under Stage 1 restrictions shall be subject to ongoing surveillance during and after use, and one of the following must be readily available during and after use:

·                   a portable fire extinguisher;

·                   a hose with a water source; or

·                   a shovel with sufficient dirt available to extinguish the fire.

Violation of any fire restrictions enacted by the order may result in a written notice violation (citation) and criminal penalties.

Fire Marshal Cordova urges all community members to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1. Early reporting can prevent the spread of fires and protect our community and environment. Additionally, when visiting areas outside of Los Alamos County’s jurisdiction, he reminds everyone to comply with fire restrictions imposed by local, state and federal authorities, including Pueblos and other counties. These measures are crucial to preventing fire incidents and safeguarding the community and its natural resources.

For more information, view the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Order 25-01 at https://lacnm.com/LAFD-FireMarshal under “Fire Restrictions” or contact the LAFD at (505) 662-8301.