Fire Regulations in Otero County, NM (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Otero County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Small and large campfires are allowed anytime of day in unincorporated Otero County under § 111-6(5) and (6), as long as someone continuously attends the fire with at least five gallons of water and a shovel on hand, unless a burn ban under § 111-7 is in effect.
Otero County Campfire and Fire Pit Conditions
Light RestrictionsOtero County Code § 111-6(5), (6)
(5) Small campfires are permitted regardless of the time of day listed above when continuously attended, with a minimum of five gallons of water and a shovel/stir on hand, except when banned as outlined in § 111-7. ... (6) Large campfires are permitted regardless of the time of day listed above when continuously attended, with a minimum of five gallons of water and a shovel/stir on hand, except...
Fireworks
Selling fireworks anywhere in unincorporated Otero County requires a free County permit, and aerial and ground audible fireworks are automatically off-limits above 5,500 feet in the Sacramento Mountains under the County's fireworks ordinance.
Otero County Fireworks Sales and Use Permits
Significant RestrictionsOtero County Code §§ 131-4, 131-6, 131-7
§ 131-1. General. A. This chapter shall be known as the "Otero County Fireworks Safety and Use Ordinance." ... § 131-4. Permits. A. No person may sell, hold for sale, import, distribute or offer for sale, as manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer, any fireworks in the County unless such person has first obtained a permit. ... § 131-6. Restrictions during hazardous conditions. A. All ...
Outdoor Burning
In unincorporated Otero County, outdoor vegetative burning is allowed only under Chapter 111's conditions, but the County Office of Emergency Services or Board of Commissioners can shut it down entirely with a burn ban whenever fire danger spikes. Red flag warnings and high-wind advisories trigger automatic bans.
Otero County Open Burning and Burn Ban Rules
Some RestrictionsOtero County Code §§ 111-6, 111-7
§ 111-6. Open burning of vegetative material, including clean wood. ... Burning shall not commence until one hour after sunrise, and fires shall be extinguished by sunset, unless stipulated differently in another section of this chapter. ... ... § 111-7. Burn bans. All outdoor vegetative burning, including campfires, is prohibited under any one or more of the following conditions: ... Within 12...
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