The Santa Fe National Forest enforced a Stage II fire ban on Friday as firefighters struggled to suppress a growing wildfire in the Jemez Mountains, prompting evacuations and a temporary area closure.
The restrictions, effective at 8 a.m. Friday and lasting through July 11 unless lifted earlier. The order prohibits building, maintaining, or using any fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fires throughout the entire forest. It also bans smoking except in enclosed vehicles or buildings, recreation sites, or cleared areas at least 3 feet in diameter. Additional restrictions apply to off-road vehicle use and certain equipment during peak hours.
In its social media announcement, the U.S. Forest Service-Santa Fe National Forest said the restrictions aim “to protect public health and safety during ongoing firefighting operations.” The decision comes as the McCauley Springs Fire, which began on Wednesday near Battleship Rock in the Jemez Ranger District, continued to burn. A temporary closure order for the fire area also took effect on Friday morning.
Forest officials said the move aims to protect public safety amid hot, dry conditions that have increased wildfire risk. Violations are punishable as Class B misdemeanors.
The McCauley Springs Fire is under full suppression. It has grown quickly since its detection early Wednesday, and remains at zero containment as of Thursday.
Officials reported the size of the blaze to be roughly 300 to 700 acres in varying updates. They deployed hotshot crews, engines, dozers, and aircraft. They also ordered evacuations for areas including Sierra de los Pinos and Jemez Falls Campground. Highway 4 has seen closures in the area between mile markers 27 and 40. But the forest itself is not under a full closure.
The fire ban has also prohibited the use of herbicides in the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon burn scar, various post-fire road and trail closures, and the closure of specific campgrounds and sites.
An interactive closure map is available on the forest’s website. Officials urged the public to check recent updates before visiting.