Wildfire Zones: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Tijeras has fewer restrictions than Albuquerque.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque designates Wildland-Urban Interface zones along the Sandia foothills and Bosque under the International WUI Code, triggering strict construction and defensible space rules.
View full Albuquerque rules →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County has no statewide or county-wide WUI mandate, but the East Mountain area (Tijeras, Cedar Crest, Sandia Park) and bosque-adjacent neighborhoods are high-risk. Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue enforces NMAC 19.15.30 (burn rules), seasonal Stage 1/2 fire restrictions, and defensible space recommendations under the NM Forestry Division framework.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable Areas | Sandia Foothills, Bosque edge | - |
| Roof Standard | Class A required | - |
| Vent Standard | Ember-resistant (1/8 inch mesh) | - |
| Wood Shake | Prohibited in very high zones | - |
| Map Authority | AFR + Planning Department | - |
| High-Risk Area | - | East Mountains / bosque |
| Zone 1 | - | 0-30 ft lean and clean |
| Zone 2 | - | 30-100 ft reduced fuel |
| Authority | - | NMAC 10.25.10 + county |
| Burn Ban Fine | - | Up to $500 (NMSA 4-37-3) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
How do I know if my property is in a WUI zone?
Check the city's WUI overlay map through the Planning Department or ABQ GIS portal. AFR can also confirm zone classification by address.
Can I keep a wood shake roof in a WUI zone?
Existing wood shake roofs may remain in moderate zones but must be replaced with Class A materials at major roof replacement. Very high zones require replacement at the next re-roof permit.
Tijeras FAQ
Is defensible space mandatory in Bernalillo County?
Not by countywide mandate. Defensible space is required on state trust land and strongly recommended for East Mountain and bosque-adjacent parcels. Firewise USA communities (Sandia Park, Cedar Crest, Sandia Heights) have voluntary standards. Insurance carriers increasingly require compliance for renewal.
When are outdoor burn bans in effect?
Bernalillo County typically issues Stage 1 restrictions from April through July during dry, windy conditions. Stage 2 is declared during red-flag warnings. Check the county website and NMFireInfo.com. Violating a burn ban is a petty misdemeanor with fines up to $500.
Does NM require Class A roofing in wildfire zones?
Not at the state level. The NM Construction Industries Division has not adopted the IWUIC statewide. However, the 2018 IRC as adopted includes some wildfire provisions, and insurers in the East Mountains commonly require Class A roofing as a condition of coverage.
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