State Rep. Liz Thomson (D-Albuquerque) recently advised her constituents to refrain from the use of fireworks in light of the present drought in New Mexico.
Thomson's message comes after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order on June 14 asking local governments throughout New Mexico to prohibit the sale of fireworks until drought conditions in the state improve.
"Please help protect our wild lands, homes, communities, pets and people by prohibiting fireworks during this horrendously hot and dry summer," Thomson tweeted.
Lujan Grisham also encouraged cities and counties to take measures to prevent wildfires, according to a press release from the Governor's Office.
"Nearly 90% of New Mexico is experiencing at least severe drought conditions, with significant portions of the state in extreme or exceptional drought," the press release cautioned.
Additionally, the Governor's Office also directed residents and tourists in New Mexico to contact local fire departments, towns or government entities to find out if there are any fire restrictions in effect; this information can also be found on New Mexico's Fire Information website.
"All five National Forests in New Mexico are either in Stage 2 or Stage 1 fire restrictions, in addition to other potential restrictions in place across the state at the local level," the press release stated.
Last year, over 8 million acres of land burned in the American West, which is still currently experiencing heavy drought conditions, according to a CBS news report.