New Mexico officials revealed that they will enforce a forest closure to keep locals and tourists out of high-danger areas, according to KOB 4.

This comes in response to the drastically increased risk of wildfires during this fire season as well as ongoing forest fires.

"They will probably be patrolling the areas that are most popular with, with folks who'd like to come camping and hiking, you know; they'll be checking the really popular spots for recreation and driving the forest roads," Julie Anne Overton, an official with the Santa Fe National Forest, said. She referred to Forest Service law enforcement officers, who will patrol the parks and monitor high-traffic areas. 

Officials hope the move will decrease the risk of accidental forest fires starting. Fires have claimed millions of dollars in property and several lives already this season. 

The closure will affect approximately 1.6 million acres in the Santa Fe National Forest, KOB 4 reported. These areas will be unavailable to local residents who want to visit the park. 

People found in violation of the closure could be subject to a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail, Overton said.

Officials said they hope the order will be lifted on July 18, but the date could change based on the level of risk that they deem is present at any given time. When the risk is lowered significantly, officials will consider reopening the park.