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Albuquerque - Official City Website

Open Burn Program

Photo of a pile of debris being burnedThe Open Burn Program regulates all open outdoor burning of weeds and debris in order to limit the emissions of air contaminants. Any burning of material outdoors (such as trash, construction materials, tree limbs, leaves, and grass) is prohibited unless a burn permit is obtained, although there are exemptions to the requirement to obtain a burn permit. Typically, residential open burning is restricted to the burning of weeds on the property. It is recommended that a continuous water source or fire extinguisher be available.

On winter No-Burn advisory days that are Red, no open burning is allowed. Burn hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. October 1st through March 31st, and 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April 1st through September 30th. Prior to burning, you must call the Environmental Health Department's burn line at (505) 768-BURN (768-2876) AND the Fire Department burn line at (505) 768-4200 and confirm that it is an okay to burn day with both entities.

At any time the Albuquerque Fire Department can request that you end your burning activities.

Other Open Burn Restrictions

  • No material can be burned within a barrel or other container.
  • Trash and other household waste cannot be burned in a fireplace, woodstove, or outdoor grill.
  • Excluding weeds (including tumbleweeds), no material can be burned outside. Other yard wastes should be shredded, composted or disposed of properly.
  • Commercial burning projects within Bernalillo County require an open burn permit. Contact the Air Quality Division at (505) 768-1972 for more information.
  • Destruction of munitions or other materials require an open burn permit.
  • Fire training activities and activities associated with burning material require an open burn permit.
  • Any burning involving more than 1/4 acre of property, or materials other than dry weeds, must be permitted by the Environmental Health Department prior to starting.

Burn Permits

Burn permits are only issued for certain activities. After a person has been issued a burn permit they shall call for permission before beginning to burn. The local fire department and the Air Quality Division will deny permission based on current weather conditions. Burning will be restricted during burn-restricted periods or high-pollution days from October 1 through February 29, although special cases can exist.

Activities Not Requiring Burn Permits

  • Domestic cooking for immediate human consumption.
  • Small scale fires as warmth for human beings.
  • Recreational purposes such as grilling or smoking, where the burn material is clean, dry wood or charcoal.
  • Animal branding.
  • Orchard heaters for frost protection in farming or nurseries.
  • Small-scale fire extinguisher training.

More Open Burn Information

 

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