From the wooded area along the Rio Grande to many of New Mexico's public lands, officials say fire restrictions will be enforced as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.
State officials say restrictions on fireworks, smoking, campfires and open fires are going into effect Friday morning for state lands in all or portions of 21 counties in the western half of the state.
State Forester Tony Delfin says the restrictions are aimed at protecting lives and property.
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District has also imposed restrictions for the land it manages between Cochiti and the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
Stage I restrictions are also in place in the Carson, Cibola, Gila and Santa Fe national forests. That means no fires expect in developed campsites and picnic grounds where grills and stoves are provided.