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  • Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions

    Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.

    This page lists local, regional and national laws regarding the use of fire on the Carson National Forest. The text of each prohibition is listed with a citation to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs).

    Carson National Forest Fire Restrictions

    There are no local restrictions at this time.

    Southwestern Regional Orders

    Restrictions listed here apply to the Carson National Forest and other forests within the Forest Service's Southwestern Region.

    ProhibitionCFR
    Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework, or other pyrotechnic device.36 CFR § 261.52(f)
    Using an explosive.36 CFR § 261.52(b)
    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)

    Review the full regional order and map.

    National Prohibitions

    The following is a select list of fire-related prohibited acts on all national forests year-round, including Carson National Forest:

    ProhibitionCFR
    Carelessly or negligently throwing or placing any ignited substance or other substance that may cause a fire.36 CFR § 261.5(a)
    Firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition.36 CFR § 261.5(b)
    Causing timber, trees, slash, brush or grass to burn except as authorized by permit.36 CFR § 261.5(c)
    Leaving a fire without completely extinguishing it36 CFR § 261.5(d)
    Causing and failing to maintain control of a fire that is not a prescribed fire that damages the National Forest System.36 CFR § 261.5(e).
    Building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire without removing all flammable material from around the campfire adequate to prevent its escape.36 CFR § 261.5(f).
    Negligently failing to maintain control of a prescribed fire on Non-National Forest System lands that damages the National Forest System.36 CFR § 261.5(g)
    Building, attending, maintaining, or using a fire outside of a fire ring provided by the Forest Service for such purpose or outside of a stove, grill or fireplace.36 CFR § 261.16(b)

    All permanent prohibitions regarding national forests can be found in the Federal Code of Regulations, Title 36, Chapter II, Subpart 261.

Alert Start Date: May 5th, 2025

Alert End Date: N/A

Contact Number:

575-758-6303

Contact Email:

zachary.behrens@usda.gov

Last updated May 5th, 2025