Burn ban in effect in Peralta, Rio Communities, Valencia County, Belen and Los Lunas

Three local fire departments have issued 60-day bans on open burning due to ongoing drought conditions, leading to severe fire danger.

The Rio Communities City Council took the recommendation of its fire chief Monday evening and unanimously approved a 60-day burn ban for all property within the city’s boundaries.

Rio Communities Fire Chief Andrew Tabet said the current conditions in the Rio Grande Valley are dangerous, and any flame could ignite a fire that could spread quickly.

“The reason why we’re approaching this is I’ve spoken with the other chiefs in Belen and Valencia County, and they agree that a burn ban needs to be in effect,” Tabet told the council. “We have been to three fires today in our district, two of which were threatening the river. If we had gotten there a couple of minutes later it would have been a much different story.”

Tabet said he understands that we live in an agriculture area and burning is needed to prepare fields, but said it’s not the time to do such activity.

We’ve had steady winds ... and all the other districts were handling their own fire scenes,” the fire chief said. “We’re asking to do a 60-day burn ban, and if the monsoon season comes early, we’ll then ask to lift it. But we’re asking this because of the extreme fire danger we’re facing this year.

The burn ban in Rio Communities includes any outdoor burning, including but not limited to the use of fire pits, open flame stoves, chainsaws without spark arrestors, landscape burning, campfires and other open flame sources.

Councilor Tom Nelson clarified that the city could enforce the ban within the city but not in the unincorporated areas of the county.

City Manager Marty Moore agreed, saying 2/3 of the city is undeveloped.

“We have a significant danger within the city,” Moore said. “We understand the county will be following suit, and the fire department can deal with the dangers inside the city limits. I do highly recommend the council approve this.”

Nelson said while he’s not against the ban, he warned that “it’s not going to stop people.”

Tabet said he understands that, but they are hoping people will realize the dangers and he and his firefighters will continue to educate the public.

On Tuesday, March 25, Valencia County Fire Chief Matt Propp issued a press release announcing the open burn ban for areas in the unincorporated parts of the county. Propp said he was waiting to hear whether other municipalities in addition to Rio Communities would be issuing temporary bans.

Propp said a serious lack of firefighting resources throughout the state was also a factor in declaring the ban for Valencia County.

“In recent weeks, even ‘controlled burns’ on designated burn days have escaped the property causing large, resource intensive fires,” the chief said in the release. “The restriction of open burning is a proactive way to reduce the very real risk of fire...”

VCFD uses several criteria to determine when to implement restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources.

“We must do what we can to protect our bosque from wildfire, protect our natural resources, and we must protect the safety of our communities’ lives and property while enhancing firefighter safety,” the release explained.

The ban is effective as of Tuesday, March 25, and will remain in effect for 60 days or until conditions change to reduce the fire danger.

“At that time, we will reevaluate the need for the open burn ban restrictions and update as appropriate,” Propp said in the release.

The open burn ban restricts any and all outdoor fires, such as weed burning, cooking fires and bonfires. Fire department personnel urges residents to use extreme caution when using an open flame such as welding or grinding, and have at least a four foot in diameter area cleared of all flammable material with a water source or extinguisher at hand.

According to a social media post on Tuesday morning, the Belen Fire Department is imposing a 60-day burn ban.

“There will be no burn permits issued during this time frame,” the post reads. “The departments will re-assess the situation after 60 days. Please follow the ban and help keep Valencia County safe.”

The village of Los Lunas Fire Department also issued a 30-day burn ban effective immediately on Wednesday morning due to elevated fire danger caused by dry weather conditions, high winds and recent fire activity.

The ban prohibits all open fires and contained open fires within the incorporated area of the village, including campfires, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and the burning of weeds or vegetation, according to the press release sent out by Los Lunas Fire Chief John Gabaldon.

Charcoal grills are only permitted in residential areas with an immediate water source.

Violating the ban is a petty misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, 90 days imprisonment or both. The ban will remain in effect for 30 days unless extended or rescinded based on fire conditions.

Residents seeking exemptions may apply to the Los Lunas Fire Department for individual inspections by calling the department at 505-866-2116.

The town of Peralta council unanimously approved an emergency resolution on Monday, March 31, banning open burning in the municipality until May 13.

Under the resolution, campfires, open fires, open burning of vegetation or rubbish, trash barrel and agricultural burning are prohibited. Violations of the ban are a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of up t $300 and/or up to 90 days in jail.