NEVER Bring or Use Fireworks on Federal Lands. It is Illegal.

Reminder: Fireworks and Pyrotechnics are never allowed on federal lands. Review the forest order for full details - Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions.

What is Prohibited

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, trails in the Southwestern Region National Forests and Grasslands in the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma, described below and shown on the forest order map which are Exhibits A and B (the “Described Area”):

1. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework, or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR § 261.52(f)
2. Using an explosive. 36 CFR § 261.52(b)
   1. An explosive is defined as any chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite and other high explosives, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord, and igniters.
3. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order in accordance with U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100-1d. 36 CFR § 261.52(j)

Described Area Where this Order Applies

The Described Area includes the following National Forests and Grasslands in their entirety:

Arizona

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
• Coconino National Forest
• Coronado National Forest
• Kaibab National Forest
• Prescott National Forest
• Tonto National Forest

New Mexico

• Carson National Forest
• Cibola National Forest
• Gila National Forest
• Lincoln National Forest
• Santa Fe National Forest
• Kiowa National Grasslands

Oklahoma/Texas

• Black Kettle & McClellan National Grasslands
• Rita Blanca National Grasslands

Purpose

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety.

Implementation

• This Order shall be in effect from June 1, 2023 at 6:00 am through May 31, 2026, unless rescinded.
• A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
• This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.

More Information

Contact the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for more information about this Order.