Albuquerque, NM Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Under the Albuquerque Fire Code, a backyard recreational fire is conditionally allowed without a permit: per the city's open-burning guidance, 'Recreational fires shall not be conducted with 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials,' the fuel 'pile size shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 3 feet or less in height,' and the 'fire must be constantly attended until completely extinguished.' A bonfire is treated more strictly - it requires a permit (Sec. 307.2) and, under Section 307.4.1, 'A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit,' with hazardous spread conditions eliminated before ignition; the fire code official may require fire watch personnel and standby fire apparatus. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be used per manufacturer instructions and not within 15 feet of a structure. Under Section 307.6 (City Ordinance O-2011-018) the Fire Chief may issue a burn ban during high fire danger that prohibits all open burning 'to include bonfires, and recreational fires' citywide and in Open Space, the Rio Grande State Park and Wildland Areas. Always call the Burn/No-Burn Hotline at (505) 768-2876 before lighting.