LAS CRUCES - The city's fire department will temporarily stop issuing permits for open burning of vegetation beginning Friday, May 6.

In a news release, the Las Cruces Fire Department said the temporary ban was necessary because of drought conditions in Doña Ana County.

Southern New Mexico, including Las Cruces, is experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the National Weather Service and the United States Drought Monitor.

"Current conditions pose a fire hazard and a significant threat to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of our community," LCFD said. "After review of all measures and forecasts, the Las Cruces Fire Department determined that it is necessary to restrict open burning within municipal boundaries."

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The restrictions will be in effect, LCFD said, until weather conditions are no longer a significant threat. The restrictions won't include limits on recreational outdoor fires, such as grills, firepits or fireplaces whether fixed or portable.

LCFD urged people to follow these safe practices for recreational fires:

Las Cruces residents who would normally burn yard waste are encouraged to utilize the City’s Green Grappler Service instead.

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The city provided these Green Grappler requirements:

Michael McDevitt is a city and county government reporter for the Sun-News. He can be reached at 575-202-3205, mmcdevitt@lcsun-news.com or @MikeMcDTweets on Twitter.