Title
Hearing and Proclamation Imposing Restrictions and Limiting the Use of Fireworks during Extreme Drought Conditions
Recommended Action
I move that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Proclamation Imposing Fire Restrictions and Limiting the Use of Fireworks during Severe to Extreme Drought Conditions as a result of the hearing conducted on May 17, 2022.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends the adoption of Incorporated County of Los ALamos Hearing and Proclamation Imposing Restrictions and Limiting the Use of Fireworks during Severe to Extreme Drought Conditions.
Body
Background Information
Due to the current extreme fire risks and the prediction by the National Weather Service of continuing extreme drought conditions in the County, the Fire Department, in consultation with other local, state, federal and tribal agencies the Fire Marshal has determined that restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks and limitation on other sources of ignition are now necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community.
The County, pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 60-2C-1 et seq. is authorized to a hold a hearing and issue a proclamation limiting the sale and use of certain fireworks in the County, where the current drought conditions of the County are either severe or extreme as determined by the indices published by the National Weather Service (NWS).
As provided in the attached proclamation, including its attachments, the NWS, as of April 28, 2022, has determined that the County is under extreme drought conditions. NWS predicts, as shown on the attachment, these conditions are predicted to continue from May 1, 2022 to at least July 31, 2022. See attachment titled “U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook” released April 30, 2022. The wildland fire outlook remains high.
As may be obvious to many, this year shows that surrounding forests are at an increased risk from potential wildfires due to many years of continued drought conditions. This year in particular, has shown unusual early fire activity, starting in mid-April, as seen with the nearby Cerro Pelado Fire which now exceeds 43,000 acres. Both Los Alamos National Lab and the Los Alamos Fire Department are closely monitoring this fire with more than 1,000 local, state, federal and tribal personnel working on containment of the fire. In the region, north of the Santa Fe-Las Vegas area, the largest wildfire in the nation, the Hermit’s Creek and Calf Canyon Fires, are now over 250,000 acres in size and continues to grow due to current weather patterns and conditions. That fire has seen numerous evacuations and dozens of structures damaged.
On April 25, 2022, the Governor of New Mexico issued Executive Order 2022-22, as attached to the proclamation, which urges local governments to restrict the use of fireworks in their communities as an action to keep communities safe, keep firefighters available for the State and to sustain our lands.
The proposed Proclamation, pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 60-2C-8.1 shall remain effective for thirty (30) days. Renewal of the Proclamation will require Council’s approval.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Unplanned Item
The proclamation will not cause an increase in staffing or budget but simply prevents potential sources of fire ignition sources as allowed by State Law.
Attachments
A - Incorporated County of Los Alamos Proclamation Imposing Restrictions and Limiting the Use of Fireworks During Severe to Extreme Drought Conditions (with attachments)