New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 22, 2011:

FIRE SAFETY STRESSED FOR OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RIDING

Off-highway vehicle riders are being urged to be extremely careful while riding in the dry conditions that have prompted fire restrictions and some closures of public and private lands statewide.

New Mexico law requires that all off-highway vehicles used on public lands be equipped with U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestors. OHVs should only be used on designated trails and routes. OHVs and other vehicles should never be ridden or parked over tall grass or other vegetation, as contact with an exhaust pipe or catalytic converter could start a fire.

Other safety precautions include securing safety chains on trailers, which could drag and cause sparks; insuring all tires are properly inflated to avoid blowouts; and, of course, never, ever toss a cigarette butt out the window.

Before heading out, riders are advised to call ahead to check conditions and restrictions. Fire restrictions and closures can be found at http://nmfireinfo.wordpress.com or by calling the fire restrictions hotline, (877) 864-6985.

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