Dry spells since March has prompted officials to take precautions and restrict the use of campfires at Gila National Forest until there is substantial rainfall.

The Gila in southwest New Mexico is a cauldron of colliding ecosystems: the Chihuahuan Desert, the Sonoran Desert, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the Mexican Plateau, the Great Basin, and Mexico’s Sierra Madre all converge here.

The mountains make up a major component of the Gila National Forest. Most are accessible only by horse or foot, with the heart protected by the 202,000-acre Aldo Leopold Wilderness.

Although campfire restrictions are becoming more common these days, camping just doesn’t feel like camping without campfire gatherings. It is often the most memorable part of a camping trip. The restriction is a preventive measure against forest fires.

Stage-one fire restrictions has been implemented by the forest service. The official order says it is prohibited to build, maintain, attend or use a fire, campfire or stove fire. Smoking will be allowed only in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Some exemptions include the use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices that meet Fire Underwriters specifications for safety, having campfires within a pre-constructed Forest Service fireplace within designated campgrounds and picnic areas, and federal, state, or local officers, or members of organized rescue or firefighting forces while performing official duties.

No fires are allowed in any campground on the Black Range Ranger District.

Some rain has fallen in the area in the past few days, but forest officials say it is not enough to lift the fire restrictions.

“It is still very dry,” Ward said. “It (rain) has been scattered and very light. We are starting to see some thunderstorm action, but we just haven’t had any major moisture since March.”

There are many developed campgrounds and recreation sites that do not require reservations in the Gila National Forest. For a complete list and locations, call (575) 388-8201.

“People also need to be very careful where they park their vehicles,” said Loretta Benevidez, fire information officer. “If they park over tall dry grass, there is a very good chance there could be an ignition. Also, with ATVs and chainsaws, they need to make sure that all their spark arresting devices are in place and working properly.”

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Since April 10, building any type of fire including campfire, stove fire or barbeque fire acrosss Los Padres National Forest will only be allowed in recreation sites approved by the Forest Service. The reason given for this is to enhance public safety as well as protect the natural resources.

The move was made due to a significant increase in the number of visitors to Los Padres National Forest over the last 15 years. Dispersed camping and hiking activities and an increased use of campfires and camp stoves have finally pushed the Forest Service to enforce these restrictions.

Another reason for the move was a heightened risk of wildfire due to ongoing draught, heavy forest fuel loads and “fire season”. A wildfire is highly undesirable in this area due to the proximity to civilization, home to millions of citizens.

However, in the Santa Lucia Ranger District, the sites that do not require a permit any sort of fire are:

• American Canyon Campground
• Baja Campground
• Barrel Spring Campground
• Bates Canyon Campground
• Brookshire Campground
• Buck Spring Campground
• Cerro Alto Campground
• Colson Campground
• Cumbre Day Use Area
• Davy Brown Campground
• Figueroa Campground
• Friis Campground
• Hi Mountain Campground
• Horseshoe Spring Campground
• La Panza Campground
• Miranda Pine Campground
• Navajo Campground
• Navajo OHV Staging Area
• Nira Campground
• Pino Alto Day Use Area, and
• Wagon Flat Campground

and in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, they are:

• Cachuma Campground
• Falls Day Use Area
• Fremont Campground
• Live Oak Day Use Area
• Los Prietos Campground
• Lower Oso Day Use Area
• Middle Santa Ynez Campground
• Mono Campground
• P-Bar Flat Campground
• Paradise Campground
• Red Rock Day Use Area
• Rock Camp
• Sage Hill Campground
• Upper Oso Campground, and
• White Rock Day Use Area

The forest service also forbids the use or even possession of firewoks, even ones that are known to be safe. Violators will be subjected to either a $5,000 fine or six months in jail.

Forest visitors are encouraged to contact local offices for specific information on each district. This order will be in effect until further notice, according to forest service officials. For more information, contact the Santa Barbara Ranger District, Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, 805.967.3481, or the Santa Lucia Ranger District, Santa Maria, 805.925.9538.