As of June 30th, fire restrictions set in April for the City of Artesia will expire. The restrictions prevented the sale of certain types of fireworks from being sold within the city limits. The restrictions preventing those types of fireworks expire on the last day in June in time to celebrate the 4th of July. The expiration of the restrictions coincides with the recent heavy rainfall. 

Chief Hope reported that fire restrictions will expire in the city and across Eddy County at the end of the month at the June 28th City Council Meeting. He noted that the forest continues to have restrictions in areas of cover or brush, and encourages the citizens of Artesia to, “exercise due caution while launching fireworks. Avoid the stick-type of rockets as well–we’re not out of the woods so to speak, yet due to the recent moisture. It takes time for vegetation to absorb the rainfall.” 

Additionally, controlled burns no longer have a time frame in which to burn. According to the Eddy County Fire & Rescue page: FIRE & RESCUE | Eddy County, NM, controlled burns are allowed without restricted time frames. Exercise caution with any type of controlled burning in the county. The phone number for the Eddy County Fire & Rescue is: 575-628-5450.