Outdoor Burning: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Albuquerque and Tijeras 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 →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Open burning in Tijeras is highly restricted due to wildfire risk in the East Mountains. NMAC 14.10.5 (state open burning rule) applies. Bernalillo County Fire Department enforces. Burn days must be verified; the area frequently under fire restrictions.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Wildfire Risk | - | High — forested East Mountains |
| Fire Dept | - | Bernalillo County FD |
| Restrictions | - | Frequently under fire restrictions |
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.
Tijeras FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Tijeras?
Open burning in Tijeras is highly restricted due to wildfire risk in the East Mountains. NMAC 14.10.5 (state open burning rule) applies. Bernalillo County Fire Department enforces. Burn days must be verified; the area frequently under fire restrictions.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Tijeras?
State Rule: NMAC 14.10.5 (open burning). Wildfire Risk: High — forested East Mountains. Fire Dept: Bernalillo County FD. Restrictions: Frequently under fire restrictions.
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