Outdoor burning rules in Rio Rancho, NM — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Rio Rancho's Chapter 93 burning rules allow only the burning of small piles of dry tumbleweeds on designated burn days. Burning trash, leaves, green weeds, or garbage is illegal citywide. Burning is limited to 10 a.m.-3 p.m., piles no larger than 3x3x3 feet, at least 25 feet from any structure.
Under Chapter 93 (Fire Code and Burning Regulations) and the city's published burn rules, residents may burn dry tumbleweeds only - no trash, no large logs or branches, and no green/nuisance vegetation. Burning may occur only on designated burn days, which the on-duty Battalion Chief sets each day based on weather and fire danger; residents must check the burn line, (505) 891-7268, daily because conditions change. When burning is allowed: all burning must be done only between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and fires must be thoroughly extinguished and smoke completely dissipated by 3:30 p.m. The burn pile must not exceed 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet high and must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Fire-extinguishing equipment (garden hose, fire extinguisher, or water truck) must be on site, and the fire must be constantly attended at all times until completely out. No open fires or fireworks are allowed in the Rio Grande Bosque at any time. The city updated these rules to ban burning of materials other than dry tumbleweeds, which create more smoke.
Burning prohibited materials, burning outside designated days/hours, or leaving a fire unattended violates Chapter 93 and is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail. The Fire Marshal may declare a citywide burn ban suspending outdoor weed burning entirely.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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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...
See how Rio Rancho's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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