NEW MEXICO
Portions of Jemez closed due to wildfire
Closure order in effect until July 11 as crews battle McCauley Springs Fire
The U.S. Forest Service on Friday temporarily closed parts of the Jemez to the public due to an area wildfire.
The closure is in effect until July 11 鈥渢o protect public health and safety during firefighting operations鈥� tied to the McCauley Springs Fire, according to a news release from the Forest Service.
鈥淓ntry into the fire area, as well as use of roads and trails within the closure zone, is prohibited,鈥� the release states. In an update Friday, officials said the wildfire was 708 acres and 0% contained, with the cause listed as undetermined.
A map shared in the news release showed the closure area bounds Soda Dam to the west, Cerro Pelado Lookout to the east, La Cueva Picnic Site to the north and Ponderosa Christian Camp to the south.
The Forest Service said in a Facebook post that violating the closure order is punishable by fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations 鈥渁nd/or up to six months imprisonment.鈥�
The Santa Fe National Forest on Friday also issued Stage 2 fire restrictions, prohibiting campfires and smoking until Sept. 30.
The release states anyone seeking more information should call the Jemez Ranger District in Jemez Springs at 575-829-3535 or the Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor鈥檚 Office in Santa Fe at 505-438-5300.
