McKinley County Enacts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Amid Dry, Warm Conditions

McKinley County activated Stage 1 fire restrictions Friday, citing a warmer-than-normal winter that left brush and grass across the county primed for ignition well before peak fire season arrives.

McKinley County Fire Rescue and the McKinley County Board of Commissioners put the restrictions in place March 27, coordinating the order with New Mexico State Forestry and applicable federal land managers. The action followed a presentation earlier in March by McKinley County Fire Chief Tim Berry, who briefed commissioners on local drought indicators and fire-prevention priorities.

The county cited record warm November-through-January measurements across much of the Southwest as evidence that fuel conditions this spring are unusually hazardous. Officials noted that human behavior, not lightning, is responsible for the majority of small fires that grow into larger incidents along populated corridors including Route 66 and I-40, making early restrictions a key prevention tool.

Under Stage 1, open campfires, debris burning, and target shooting activities capable of igniting grass or brush are limited or prohibited except in designated sites. Agricultural burns require special permitting and notification. Certain enclosed gas or propane-fueled devices in developed recreation sites remain allowed. The order applies to county-managed and many non-municipal lands; federal and tribal lands within McKinley County may be operating under separate, independently issued orders.

Residents with questions about what is permitted should contact nonemergency local fire or sheriff dispatch before lighting any open flame. Any observed smoke or active fire should be reported immediately to 911.

Stage 1 is the first step short of a full burn ban and can be escalated if conditions deteriorate. County officials emphasized the order will be reviewed and adjusted as weather and fuel moisture levels change, and that violations creating a public-safety hazard could result in fines or other enforcement actions.

Fire agencies also encouraged residents to establish defensible space around structures, secure burn permits where required, and avoid spark-emitting equipment, including mowing in dry grass and certain off-road vehicles, until conditions improve. Updates to the order will be posted to the McKinley County official website and social media channels.