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Fire

Open Burning

Review open burning rules and requirements within the City of Santa Fe. Follow all safety requirements before igniting any fire.

DISCLAIMER: The Santa Fe Fire Department reserves the right to order the immediate extinguishment of any outdoor fire that creates a hazard or nuisance.

 
Open Burning Information
Before You Burn: Required Steps
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  1. Shall not burn on days that wind speeds exceed 10 mph.
  2. “Red Flag Day” or "No Burn Day" burning is restricted.
  3. If burning is allowed, notify fire dispatch at (505) 428-3700 before lighting.
  4. Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. Burning during red flag warning is prohibited.
2 Types of Fires
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I. Recreational Fires

You generally do not need a burn permit for small recreational fires, provided you follow these rules:

A. Required Conditions to qualify as a recreational fire, it must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Size: The fire must be no larger than 3 feet wide and 2 feet high.
  • Containment: It must be contained within a fire ring, pit, or fireplace with spark arrestor or means of prevention of embers.
  • Fuel: You may burn only clean wood or charcoal.
  • Location: Shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

B. Specific exemptions permits are explicitly not required for the following fixtures:

  • Permanently installed outdoor fireplaces
  • Barbecue pits
  • Kivas and Hornos
  • Portable chimineas
  • LPG / Natural gas recreational fire pit

II. Open Burning (Vegetative Material)

Burning piled vegetative material is conditionally allowed but requires strict adherence to safety protocols. An Operational Open Burning Permit is required for kindling or maintaining an open fire on any public or private ground.

  • Dry Vegetation: Weeds, crop trimmings, and garden waste.
  • Slash Piles: Tree trimmings and branches (piles usually limited to 4 ft x 4 ft).
  • Agricultural Waste: Material from clearing irrigation ditches or fields.
  • Containment: Noncombustible containment (e.g. 55-gallon barrel).
Quick Reference: Burn Hours
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Type of Burning Time Restrictions
(I) Recreational fire, Permanent Fireplaces, BBQ Pits, & Chimineas No time restrictions
(II) Permit: Open Burning 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Required Information
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When applying, you must provide the following:

  • Purpose: The reason for the burn (e.g., ceremonial, bonfire).
  • Location: The exact address of the burn site.
  • Site Map: Shall provide the location depicted on a site map of the property and where the open burning will take place.
  • Date & Time: The specific window for the burn.
  • Materials: Exactly what you intend to burn (only clean wood/vegetation is typically allowed).
  • Safety Measures: Your plan for extinguishing the fire (e.g., hose on-site, fire extinguishers).
Prohibited Materials
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Even with a permit, you are never allowed to burn:

  • Household trash, plastic, or rubber.
  • Treated lumber, railroad ties, rubbish, or construction debris.
Application Process
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You must apply for a permit at least three (3) days prior to your scheduled burn. To apply, please fill out the form below.