The Santa Fe County Fire Marshal announced on May 27 an order prohibiting open burning in the unincorporated areas of Santa Fe County, effective immediately. All current open burning permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued until further notice from the Fire Marshal.
Most of Santa Fe County is within or near the Wildland Urban Interface Area, where homes and other development are close to wildland vegetation that can fuel fires. The Fire Code states that open burning must be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. According to county officials, high-risk conditions currently exist in the unincorporated portions of the county, creating a significant threat to residents’ safety and property.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest implemented emergency Stage 1 fire restrictions on all National Forest System lands within its boundaries starting April 2 of this year. There are several wildland fires actively burning in New Mexico as a result of these high-risk fire conditions. Persistent hot, dry, and unstable weather has created an immediate danger for range fires, brush fires, grass fires, forest fires, and structure fires throughout the county.
This order will remain in effect until further notice from the Fire Marshal. Open burning is defined as burning materials with combustion products emitted directly into ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. This does not include road flares, smudge pots or similar devices used for safety or occupational purposes; barbeque grills; or portable outdoor fireplaces.
Chimneys and openings serving fireplaces, barbecues, incinerators or decorative heating appliances using solid or liquid fuel must have a spark arrester or screen made from woven or welded wire screening of 12 USA standard gage wire (0.1046 inch) with openings not exceeding half an inch (12.7 mm).
Santa Fe County provides essential services such as public safety and health throughout incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas under oversight by its Board of County Commissioners and County Manager, according to the official website.
