Fire pit rules in Rio Rancho, NM — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Rio Rancho regulates outdoor fires under Municipal Code Chapter 93 (Fire Code and Burning Regulations), which adopts New Mexico's minimum fire codes (the 2021 International Fire Code). Recreational fires are allowed in contained, spark-arrested fire pits, but open burning of trash, leaves, and green vegetation is prohibited inside city limits.
Chapter 93 states the Governing Body's intent to provide for fire prevention and public safety by regulating the burning of materials within municipal limits, and it adopts the minimum Fire Codes for New Mexico (10.25.1 through 10.25.12 NMAC) - which incorporate the 2021 International Fire Code (10.25 NMAC). The IFC's open-burning and recreational-fire provisions (IFC Ch. 3) therefore apply locally. Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue allows recreational and ceremonial fires when they are kept in spark-arrested fire pits and continually monitored. By contrast, it is unlawful to burn leaves, green weeds, nuisance vegetation, or garbage within city limits - the city updated Chapter 93 (effective after the City Council's January 26 adoption) because these create far more smoke than dry tumbleweeds. Open fires and fireworks are prohibited at all times in the Rio Grande Bosque. Any fire must be constantly attended until completely extinguished, with fire-extinguishing equipment (garden hose, fire extinguisher, or water truck) on site. The Fire Marshal's Office may impose a citywide burn ban during elevated fire danger. Confirm current burn status on the burn line, (505) 891-7268, which changes daily with weather.
Burning prohibited materials or violating Chapter 93 burning rules can be punished by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail. A citywide burn ban can suspend all open flame; recreational fires in spark-arrested pits may remain allowed if continually monitored.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Rio Rancho encourages native and low-water-use plants and, under Chapter 154 (Planning and Zoning), prohibits cool-season turf grass in residential front yar...
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Under Chapter 52 (Water Conservation), Rio Rancho prohibits spray irrigation from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day from April 1 through October 31 for all properti...
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Under Chapter 91 (Nuisances; Health and Sanitation), Rio Rancho requires developed property to be kept free of dry vegetation, tumbleweeds, weeds, bushes, an...
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