Based upon current and predicted weather outlook within the unincorporated areas of Santa Fe County as well as any other conditions that may hinder timely response to wildfire emergencies, the fire department shall determine on a day-to-day basis if open burning is permitted. Due to the vast geography and emergency response personnel staffing considerations, the decision to prohibit open burning shall apply to the County as a whole. 

This open burning permit is specifically for the outdoor burn types outlined below. For questions or further information, call 505-995-6517 or email fireprevention@santafecountynm.gov. 

Open Burning for Agricultural and Vegetation is allowed seven days a week from 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Weather Permitting). Open Burning for Recreational and Ceremonial is allowed seven days a week with no time limits. You must call Dispatch at (505) 428-3710 before each burn to verify there are no restrictions and provide your burn permit number.

*Open Burning Permit Exemption*

*An outdoor fire, burning materials other than rubbish, where the solid fuel being burned is contained in an outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, or outdoor fire pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes, with a spark arrester and screen, shall not require an open burning permit.* 

If your permit request is not specifically outlined below, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at (505) 995-6522 for further information.

Madrid Residents Only - Please contact District Chief Carl Hansen at 505-470-0770 prior to applying for an open burning permit.

 

Burn Location

Burn Type *

Terms and Conditions For Open Burning

  • Prior to each and every open burning, the Santa Fe County Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC) 505-428-3710 or 800-742-1144, must be notified.
  • Open burning of rubbish or garbage containing paper or household waste products is prohibited.
  • A garden hose connected to a water supply, 4-A rated fire extinguisher, shovel, or other approved fire extinguishing equipment must be readily available at the burning site.
  • Burning material/s shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire-extinguishing equipment, familiar with the Terms and Conditions for Open Burning, and shall supervise the burning material until the fire has been extinguished.
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately if the fire becomes out of control.
  • Open burning shall not be conducted within 50 feet of any structure or other combustible material. Conditions which could cause the fire to spread to within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
  • No open burning shall be permitted on red flag days.
  • Local wind or gusts shall not exceed 10 mph.
  • Open burning shall only be performed when times, wind velocity, and burn restrictions comply with the limits set forth in this open burning permit.
  • The Fire Department and/or Law Enforcement is authorized to require that open burning be immediately discontinued if it is determined that smoke emissions are offensive to occupants of surrounding property, or it constitutes a hazardous condition.

IN THE EVENT THE SANTA FE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SHOULD IMPLEMENT BURN RESTRICTIONS DURING THE TERM OF THIS PERMIT, THIS PERMIT IS ‘VOID’ UNTIL OPEN BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE RESCINDED

Agricultural and Vegetation Open Burning Permit

In accordance with Santa Fe County ordinance 2023-06, this permit grants permission to the Santa Fe County Fire Department for the above named resident of Santa Fe County to perform open burning for the specific purpose of irrigation ditch clearing, draining ditch clearing, crop or fallow field maintenance, preparation for planting, clearing of cut tree branches, leaves, and/or weeds.

This permit is subject to compliance with the Terms and Conditions listed herein, and all permission for open burning granted explicitly or implied shall be null and void in the event said Terms and Conditions are not met by the resident. The Santa Fe County Fire Marshal’s Office, the responding Fire District, and/or law enforcement agency shall make the final determination of compliance.

It is within the authority of the Santa Fe County Fire Marshal's Office to bring criminal action against any property owner who is out of compliance with the terms of this permit.

Recreation/Ceremonial Open Burn Permit

In accordance with Santa Fe County ordinance 2023-06, this permit grants permission to the Santa Fe County Fire Department for the above named resident of Santa Fe County to perform open burning for the specific purpose of ceremonial, religious, pleasure, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

This permit is subject to compliance with the Terms and Conditions listed herein, and all permission for open burning granted explicitly or implied shall be null and void in the event said Terms and Conditions are not met by the resident. The Santa Fe County Fire Marshal’s Office, the responding Fire District, and/or law enforcement agency shall make the final determination of compliance.

It is within the authority of the Santa Fe County Fire Marshal's Office to bring criminal action against any property owner who is out of compliance with the terms of this permit.

I, hereby, certify that I have read and understand all the Terms and Conditions For Open Burning contained herein, as well as any supplementary written information with which I have been provided relating to safe and legal open burning.

There are errors that need correction above