May, 2011

Fire Department Burn Restrictions

Santa Fe

Due to severe drought conditions and progressively worsening wild land fire conditions, the Santa Fe Fire Department has the authority to impose additional fire restrictions as per the International Fire Code® (IFC) as adopted by § 12-2.1 of the Santa Fe City Code (SFCC).

• In order to preserve lives and property during these emergency conditions, the City of Santa Fe Fire Department shall prohibit the following activities until further notice:
• All open burning, including camp fires, bonfires, pit barbecues, and the burning of weeds, trash, or other vegetation.
• The use of charcoal barbecue grills in public parks and recreation areas.
• Smoking in public parks, recreation areas, or on any public trail.
• The use of any motorized ATV’s or motorcycles on City owned open space, parks, trails, or other recreational areas.

Penalties for violating these restrictions may include fines up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail as specified in SFCC 1-3.1(A).

Charcoal barbecuing at home will be permitted providing the fire is closely monitored and fire-extinguishing equipment, such as a garden hose or fire extinguisher, is readily available.  Under normal conditions, ceremonial fires are permitted within the City’s jurisdiction after obtaining a permit from the Fire Marshal.  Currently, all burn permit requests are being rejected until weather conditions improve and the fire danger has been reduced significantly.