Los Alamos Reporter

County Remains ‘Ready’; Services Open, Asks Community To Remain Diligent In Stage 3

COUNTY NEWS RELEASE

Los Alamos County officials remind the community that even though the county has moved from “Set” to “Ready” this week, thanks to the thousands of firefighting personnel who have contained 74 percent of the Cerro Pelado fire, Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in place. This is due to unprecedented dry conditions and dangerously high risk of fire.

Although Los Alamos County, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Santa Fe National Forest (beginning May 19) remain in Stage 3 fire restrictions, the community can still safely enjoy many County parks and recreational amenities.

Open County Amenities

  • Indoor County Owned & Operated Facilities – OPEN Regular Hours, including but not limited to:

Aquatic Center*, Los Alamos County Ice Rink, Public Libraries, Fuller Lodge, Animal Shelter – Visit the County website for seasonal programs and events: 100 Days of Summer Activity Guide.

*Aquatic Center closed May 23 – 27 for maintenance.

  • Indoor County Cultural Assets – OPEN Regular Hours, including but not limited to:

Los Alamos Nature Center, Teen Center, Fuller Lodge Art Center, Los Alamos History Museum, Los Alamos & White Rock Visitor Centers, Los Alamos & White Rock Senior Centers

  • Staffed Outdoor County Facilities:

Golf Course (open for walking – see map – in addition to regular golf services)

  • County Parks, Athletic Facilities and Play & Tot Lots:

Ashley Pond Park, Urban Park, Eastern Area Park, Barranca Mesa Park, White Rock Overlook Complex/Point, North Mesa Picnic Area/Disc Golf, Piñon Park, Rover Park, Skate Parks, Dog Parks, Tennis Courts, Ball Fields, Stables/Arenas, RV Parks and Tot Lots

  • Los Alamos County Open Space & Trail Network:

Paved trails, including Canyon Rim Trail, LA Mesa Trail, and along NM4 and portions of Cañada del Buey in White Rock

  • Private Recreation Areas

Sportsmen’s Club open for indoor activities

  • National Park Sites

Manhattan Project National Historical Park

  • Los Alamos National Laboratory & DOE Open Space and Trails:

Bradbury Science Museum, Access to Rendija Canyon available for Sportsmen’s Club indoor activities and for residents

In addition, the Summer Concert Series begins this Friday, May 20, bringing music, food and fun to downtown each week. Movies in the Park, Tuesdays at the Pond, Splash ‘n Dash, and summer programming at the Library, Nature Center, Fuller Lodge Art Center and more are starting soon. Available online is the County’s 100 Days of Summer Activity Guide with events and activities for the whole family.

Remain diligent to prevent fire

Los Alamos Fire Chief Troy Hughes reported Tuesday to the Los Alamos County Council that after 47 days with no measurable precipitation, fuel moistures are very low. He added that several wildland fires are currently burning in New Mexico and although the Cerro Pelado fire is in pretty good shape, if another fire were to start in the area, it would strain Los Alamos resources. 

“Los Alamos County has never before seen the conditions we are currently experiencing, not even during the Cerro Grande and Las Conchas fires.” Fire Chief Troy Hughes shares, “We have never been faced with Stage 3 restrictions this early, and with no predicted weather relief in sight. The community can help by following the fire restrictions and preparing defensible space around their homes. These are lifesaving, property-saving steps.”

The County asks residents to respect the present danger and do their part to comply with the Stage 3 fire restriction orders.  Questions or concerns can be submitted at https://lacnm.com/firequestions.