Laboratory lifts fire restrictions

Contact: James E. Rickman, jamesr@lanl.gov, (505) 665-9203 (03-104)

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LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Aug. 8, 2003 -- As a result of recent rainstorms, the local wildland fire conditions have dropped from "extreme" to "high." Conditions have improved to the point that the wildland restrictions imposed on July 10, 2003 are rescinded effective at 5 p.m. today.

All access to the Laboratory's undeveloped and wildland areas are again open for walking, hiking, jogging, biking and similar recreation-like activities. Requirements of Alert 0004 for Laboratory employees also will be rescinded.

Laboratory officials would like to thank everyone for respecting the restrictions and assisting to protect the Lab and its wildland areas. While the recent rains have caused the fire danger to drop, they have also brought thunderstorms with them. People engaging in outdoor activities are urged to observe "the five-second rule" (five seconds between a lightning flash and its thunderclap) and seek shelter if necessary. Wildlife is beginning to return to wilderness areas and people are urged to respect the privacy of these animals. People may report encounters with injured and/or aggressive wildlife on Laboratory property to the Laboratory's Emergency Management and Response group at 667-6211.

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.

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