"We are experiencing extreme fire danger conditions and we need to address them by taking all precautionary measures necessary"
Santa Fe County released its open burn restrictions for summer 2012 and the overall message is clear: outdoor burning of just about any kind is no bueno.
According to the release, the Santa Fe County Fire Department has issued an emergency ordinance "declaring hazardous fire conditions and imposing restrictions on open fires, smoking and other ignition sources."
The open burn restrictions are due to low winter and spring precipitation, high winds and extreme fire danger. Restrictions are effective immediately and will be reviewed in 60 days for consideration of an extension, according to the release.
The ordinance prohibits the following:
• Open fires of any kind;
• Open burning of vegetation or rubbish;
• Littering on public roadways/areas with ignited smoking materials;
• Campfires;
• Smoking within a County park, campground or any wild land area, except within an enclosed vehicle or in a building which is specifically authorized for such and is exempt from the New Mexico No Smoking in Public Facilities Act;
• Littering on public roadways/areas with ignited smoking materials;
• Use of off-road vehicles, motor bikes, or other motorized apparatus within County parks, campgrounds and wild land areas;
• The issuance of licenses or permits for open burning;
“We are experiencing extreme fire danger conditions and we need to address them by taking all precautionary measures necessary," said Fire Chief David Sperling. "The community has already experienced several fires this year and we want to avoid any catastrophic fires.”
All open burn permits that have been issued for the next 60 days are now void. Residents will need to obtain a new permit once restrictions have been lifted.
For more information contact the Santa Fe County Fire Prevention Division at (505) 995-6523.
