Closing Down Big Firing Operations, (Managed) Burns and Lifting Bans on Small (Authorized) Open Burns in Sandoval County
We are all no doubt aware that recently it has been raining here and there now and then. The mini(so far)-monsoon has changed the picture in our area to where the controlled burns in the National Forest have flickered, given that last hiss and gone cold, but we can now compensate for the absence of smoke in the valley from the deliberate, managed burning of forests by having our own authorized and hopefully controlled conflagrations.
If you have been waiting to cremate your mattresses and other no longer needed household items all summer, the bad news is that you will be denied a permit. The good news is that the Sandoval County fire chief says we now have sufficient moisture in the air and in the ground to lift the ban on open burning of approved stuff (see below) in unincorporated areas of the county.
But, bear in mind that to conduct your discreet little burn, you will still need a permit which is obtained by request made through the Sandoval County Fire Marshal. If you ask nicely, a written or verbal documented permit might be issued by him. What a verbal document is (a grunt of approval?) is not made clear in the Sandoval County notice.
Anyway, to get a clear picture, here is some material from the Sandoval County New Mexico Ordinance:
At this time, the Sandoval County Fire Marshal is authorizing small scale burns in unincorporated Sandoval County with the following provisions in place:
*Burning of brush, slash, or agricultural waste only (ex. tumbleweeds, small sticks, leaves, etc.)
*Burning of any household materials is AGAINST STATE LAW.
*Burning must take place between the hours of 7 am and 4:30pm.
*The fire must be completely extinguished by 4:40pm.
*The burn pile must be no larger than a 3'Hx3'W in size88.
*Citizens are allowed to burn on their own property only.
*Safety precautions such as clearing grass, leaves, trees and other flammables from around
the burn pile shall be taken (5 feet or more of clearance).
*The burn pile shall be no less than 50 feet away from structures – IFC 2003 307.3.
*Winds may not exceed 7mph.
*A charged water source / fire extinguisher must be readily accessible.
*A shovel, rake, hoe, etc must be readily accessible.
*The burn pile must be attended at all times.
*All reasonable measures to assure complete combustion and reduce excessive smoke are to
be taken.
*A daytime temperature of 85 degree Fahrenheit or less.
*If a member of the Sandoval County Fire Department, Sandoval County Sheriff's Department, or other authorized enforcement agency directs the burn pile to be extinguished, the burn must be extinguished immediately.
The Sandoval County Fire Marshal, or designee, shall be contacted for any burns that are outside of the above provisions. To contact the Fire Marshal or designee, please send an email to the appropriate Fire Department members below:
For the La Cueva area and communities near La Cueva including Sierra Los Pinos, Thompson Ridge, Cochiti Mesa and Seven Springs, email Sandoval County District Chief Lee Taylor at lacuevafire@windstream.net
For La Madera, contact Sandoval County District Chief Joe Gober atgober621@comcast.net
For all other inquiries and those pertaining to Zia Pueblo, Torreon, Regina, La Jara, Ponderosa, Canyon, Algodones, Placitas, and Pena Blanca, email the Sandoval County Fire Marshal, Eric Masterson atemasterson@sandovalcountynm.gov
*The Fire Marshal or designee can also be contacted at 505-867-4581 or1-800-898-2876 and follow the prompts. The prompts will connect you via phone to the same Sandoval County Personnel as listed above. Burn Permits are only issued M-F, 8am-5pm excluding holidays.
*When a request for a burn permit is given, the Fire Marshal or designee may need to see the property / burn pile to ensure safety.
*The Fire Marshal or designee reserves the right to require additional safety provisions in place before the burn can commence.
*The Fire Marshal or designee reserves the right to deny a burn at his/her discretion.
*If the burn is allowed, a Sandoval County Fire Department Burn Permit shall be issued. A copy will be left with or sent to the requester for them to have on them at all times during the burn; another copy shall be kept on file with the Fire Marshal or designee for a period of six (6) months.
*The Fire Marshal reserves the rights to revoke a burn permit if safety concerns, such as weather, arise that were unforeseen at the time of issuance.
During time of high/extreme Fire Danger, the Fire Marshal may order a 'Burn Ban' requiring ALL burning in the county to cease immediately. The Burn Ban may be for a period of time or indefinitely until conditions improve.
Any burning during this time may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.