Bandelier National Monument tightens fire rules amid rising wildfire risk

Campfires, charcoal grills, and coal- or wood-burning stoves are prohibited. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, propane grills, and similar devices are still allowed, but only if they are set at least three feet from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles. Smoking is banned except inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, and internal combustion engines may not be operated off paved or graveled roads. Welding and other open-flame torch work are also prohibited.

Bandelier sits at the center of that shift. The monument protects more than 33,000 acres of canyon and mesa country, and its fire planning has long emphasized vegetation thinning, prescribed fire, and wildfire response strategies. The Cerro Grande Fire began there on May 4, 2000 as a prescribed burn and ultimately destroyed 235 structures in and around Los Alamos. The Las Conchas Fire began on June 26, 2011 near the park and burned more than 156,000 acres, becoming the largest wildfire in New Mexico history at the time.