Bernalillo County, NM Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Bernalillo County, 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.
Key Facts
- Burn Hours
- 10 AM – 3 PM
- Max Pile Size
- 3 ft diameter x 2 inches high
- Hotline
- (505) 468-7200 Open Burning
- Prohibited Materials
- Leaves, grass clippings, refuse, waste
- No Permit Needed
- Dry weed piles within limits
Summary
Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue regulates open burning in unincorporated areas. Dry weed piles max 3 ft diameter x 2 inches high allowed without permit. Burn hours 10 AM to 3 PM. Must call Open Burning Hotline (505) 468-7200 before burning. No burning of leaves, grass clippings, refuse, or waste.
Burning of dry weeds in piles no larger than 3' in diameter and 2" high is permitted in the unincorporated areas of Bernalillo County without a permit (BCC Chapter 3). You are not allowed to burn: Environmentally poor burning materials such as leaves, grass clippings, green plants, refuse, paper, rubbish, animal waste, waste oil, interiors of wrecked vehicle bodies, or other materials that are difficult to burn without producing vast amounts of noxious and toxic fumes or dense smoke (IFC2009 307.1.1, BCC 70-43). No burning within fifty (50) feet of any structure, shed, house, commercial building, combustible material, or vegetation (IFC2009 307.4). Winter Burn hours are 11:00am to 3:00pm October 1 through March 31. Summer Burn 6:00am to 5:00pm April 1 through September 30. You must call the Burn Hotline at 468-7200 prior to burning each day.
Full Breakdown
Open burning in unincorporated Bernalillo County is regulated by Bernalillo County Fire and Rescue. Burning of dry weeds in piles no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 inches high is permitted without a permit. Burn hours for dead and dry weeds and piled vegetative material are 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Before burning, residents must call the Open Burning Hotline at (505) 468-7200. It is prohibited to burn leaves, grass clippings, green plants, refuse, paper, rubbish, animal waste, waste oil, vehicle interiors, or other materials producing noxious/toxic fumes or dense smoke.
Violations & Fines
NMED violation: $100 to $10,000/day. Burn ban violation: $300 to $500. City fines vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Bernalillo County?
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Bernalillo County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
How Bernalillo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.