The National Park Service’s Pueblo Parks Group is set to implement Stage II fire restrictions beginning June 25, 2026, as wildfire danger reaches elevated levels across several iconic New Mexico landmarks. The restrictions will apply to Bandelier National Monument, Fort Union National Monument, Pecos National Historical Park, and Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Under Stage II restrictions, a broad range of fire-related activities will be strictly prohibited. Open flames of any kind are banned, including campfires, charcoal grills, and open-air burning. Smoking will only be permitted inside enclosed spaces, such as vehicles or buildings, to eliminate the risk of carelessly discarded embers igniting dry vegetation.
The restrictions also extend to mechanical and explosive hazards. Use of off-road engines and explosives is forbidden under the new rules, and additional limitations on vehicle operations have been put in place to further reduce the likelihood of spark-induced ignitions. Park officials are urging visitors to familiarize themselves with the full scope of the regulations before arriving at any of the affected sites.
Park managers emphasized that these measures are a necessary response to dangerous environmental conditions, including dry weather, low humidity, and high winds that are common across the region during summer months. Violations of fire restrictions on federal lands can result in significant fines and criminal penalties.
Read the full story at https://www.nps.gov/vall/learn/news/stage-ii-fire-restrictions.htm