Rio Rancho, NM Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Permanently installed outdoor fireplaces, portable fireplaces, portable chimeneas, fully contained small outdoor wood fires used for warming purposes at construction sites, barbeque pits, and barbeque grills may operate without a permit at any time.

(B) The burning of dead and dry weeds and hot torch weed control on private residential, commercial or industrial property may occur without a permit when performed in strict compliance with all of the following requirements:

(1) Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue has declared a “burn day” and authorized burning prior to the start of a burn; and

(2) Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue has declared a “burn day” and authorized burning at all times during the burn; and

(3) The burn is conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; and

(4) The pile of dead and dry weeds to be burnt is less than three feet wide, three feet long, and three feet in height; and

(5) All burning is conducted at least 25 feet away from all structures and combustible material; and

(6) Appropriate fire extinguishment equipment is located on site and near the burn area; and

(7) All embers that may cause a fire to spread are contained within the burn area; and

(8) No hazardous conditions are created on a public road or landing strip due to smoke emitting from the burn; and

(9) All smoke from the burn is completely dissipated by 4:30 p.m. on the day of the burn. (Ord. 23-04)