Outdoor Burning: Albuquerque vs Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM?
Albuquerque and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque have similar restriction levels.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque Fire Code Section 307.1 prohibits open burning, recreational fires, bonfires, rubbish fires and open-burning operations except as allowed by the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board and the Fire Code. Limited dead-and-dry weed removal is allowed without a permit if it meets strict setback, pile-size, wind, and time-of-day conditions.
View full Albuquerque rules →Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Open burning in Los Ranchos regulated under NMAC 14.10.5 (state open burning rule) and Bernalillo County Air Quality regulations. The Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board restricts open burning. Burn days must be verified before any burning.
View full Los Ranchos de Albuquerque rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Albuquerque Fire Code 307.1 / 307.2 Exception 1 | - |
| Default rule | Open burning prohibited except as allowed | - |
| Weed-burn setback | 50 ft from structure/combustibles | - |
| Max pile (no permit) | 3 ft x 3 ft; larger needs 10-day permit | - |
| Burn/No-Burn Hotline | (505) 768-2876 | - |
| State Rule | - | NMAC 14.10.5 (open burning) |
| Air Quality Board | - | ABQ-Bernalillo County AQCB |
| Burn Day Check | - | Required before any burning |
| Fire Dept | - | Bernalillo County FD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Albuquerque?
Only limited dead-and-dry weed removal is allowed without a permit, and only if you stay 50 feet from structures, keep the pile to 3 ft x 3 ft, stop when wind exceeds 15 mph, burn only during the allowed hours, and have a way to extinguish it. Check the Burn/No-Burn Hotline at (505) 768-2876 first.
When can I burn weeds?
Section 307.2 Exception 1 limits weed burning to 11 a.m.-3 p.m. from Oct 31-Mar 31 and 6 a.m.-5 p.m. from Apr 1-Sep 30, on approved burn days only.
Do I ever need a permit?
Yes. Piles larger than 3 ft x 3 ft, bonfires, recreational fires, and silvicultural/pest-control burns require a permit, with a site plan submitted at least 10 days in advance for open burning.
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in los Ranchos?
Open burning in Los Ranchos regulated under NMAC 14.10.5 (state open burning rule) and Bernalillo County Air Quality regulations. The Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board restricts open burning. Burn days must be verified before any burning.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in los Ranchos?
State Rule: NMAC 14.10.5 (open burning). Air Quality Board: ABQ-Bernalillo County AQCB. Burn Day Check: Required before any burning. Fire Dept: Bernalillo County FD.
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