Press Release regarding burn ban in Sandoval County

James Maxon, MPA
Fire Chief
Sandoval County Fire Department

County Fire Chief Sets August 15 Target for Lifting Ban on Open Burning

Sandoval County, NM, July 21, 2014—Recent rains and future weather forecasts have
combined to prompt the Sandoval County Fire Chief to set August 15, 2014 as a target date for
lifting the current ban on opening burning in the unincorporated areas of the county.
“We have received some rain recently, but we will dry out again once we get high temperatures,
which are why we aren’t lifting the ban immediately,” Fire Chief James Maxon said. “We are
using scientific measurements such as fuel moisture content to make our decision. We expect
that data to show us that it’s safe to lift the ban by August 15. However, we will reserve the right
to extend the ban if conditions change before that date.”

Under the current ban, cooking and heating devices that use Kerosene, white gas or propane as
fuel may be used, as long as there is fire protection nearby and a defensible space around the
device. Fires no larger than 2 feet by 2 feet in established fire rings also are permitted.
Once the ban is lifted, county residents wishing to conduct open burns still will need to get a
permit from the Fire Department. Permits can be obtained by calling 505-867-0245. That same
number can be used to report illegal burning.

A separate ban on fireworks in unincorporated parts of the county expired on July 9, 2014. But
officials urge residents to remain careful with the use of any items that might spark a fire. “I
strongly encourage everyone to be vigilant about fire prevention so a catastrophic fire does not
occur,” Chief Maxon said. Open burning restrictions are enforced by the Sandoval County Fire Marshal and the Sandoval
County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone found violating the open burn ban will be subject to arrest and
penalties up to and including a $300 fine and 90 days in jail.

For additional information, visit the Sandoval County Fire Department website.