Open Space Fire Restrictions

The level of restriction on Open Space lands is Level I year-round (see definitions). At times of heightened fire danger the restrictions may change. The City of Albuquerque Open Space Division works in conjunction with Cibola National Forest to maintain the safety of the Albuquerque foothills and mountain areas during times of high fire danger.

New Mexico continues to be in a state of drought. With the large amount of dry-vegetative fuels, high temperatures, and high winds, conditions are ripe for large scale fires. A wildland fire in Major Public Open Space would be devastating to our community and damage the affected open space area for generations.

Stage I Fire Restrictions apply to all Open Space properties

Major Public Open Space Areas are considered permanently under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Please see more information about Fire Restrictions as defined by Cibola National Forest. 

Prohibited activities include:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, open flame, campfire or stove fire except in designated picnic areas.
• Smoking, except in enclosed vehicles.
• Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic device.
• Possessing or using a motor vehicle off any publicly designated roadways, except when parking in developed parking lots or at developed trailheads.
• Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine.
• Operating any piece of spark-emitting equipment.
• Operating any internal or external combustion engine.
• Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
• Camping or overnight stay.

~From Article 19 of the City of Albuquerque Code of Ordinances

The same restrictions as above apply to the Rio Grande Valley State Park (Bosque). However, please note that there are no areas where fires, charcoal grills, or stoves are allowed in the bosque. See the listing of designated picnic areas with grills for information where you can have a BBQ. Map of the Rio Grande Valley State Park and established bosque paths.

Stage II Restrictions

Stage II Restrictions apply to all Open Space areas within the municipal boundaries of the City of Albuquerque to include the west mesa grass lands, the Bosque, and the Open Space Areas of the Sandia Foothills.

State II Restrictions include:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, open flame, campfire or stove fire.
2. Smoking.
3. Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic device.
4. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off any publicly designated roadways, except when parking in developed parking lots or at developed trailheads.
5. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine.
6. Operating any piece of spark-emitting equipment.
7. Operating any internal or external combustion engine.
8. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
9. Camping or overnight stay.

Stage III  Restrictions (Full or Partial Closure of Open Space Areas)

Stage III results in the closure of specific open space areas. This stage will be implemented when ongoing emergencies pose a risk to the health and welfare of the public or when the ability to mitigate risks using Stage I or II restrictions is no longer viable. The need to protect the public at this stage outweighs the impacts of implementing a partial or complete closure.

Barbecue or Campfire on Open Space Lands

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, open flame, campfire or stove fire is prohibited on Major Public Open Space lands except in designated picnic areas with grills. Please note that during high fire danger, additional restrictions may be put in place for the designated picnic areas, such as under Stage II and Stage III Fire Restrictions, when charcoal fires, propane and gas stoves, and open fires are restricted throughout all Open Space areas. 

During Very High and Extreme fire danger conditions and under Stage II Fire Restrictions, charcoal fires, propane and gas stoves, and open fires are restricted even in designated picnic areas. Fire danger levels will be clearly posted in the designated picnic areas.

Fire Level Warning Signs

The Open Space Division has fire danger signs posted in many areas. The signs are updated as quickly as possible after a change in fire conditions is determined.

• Extreme: No charcoal or wood fires. Gas stoves OK in designated picnic areas only.
• Very High: No charcoal or wood fires. Gas stoves OK in designated picnic areas only.
• High: Charcoal and wood fires in provided grills in designated picnic areas only. Gas stoves OK in designated picnic areas only.

How can I help?

Call 242-COPS to report trespass, dangerous or illegal activity, smoking, etc. Before you call, take note of important information such as cross streets, addresses, description of activity, etc. 

Report illegal fireworks online in Albuquerque or In Bernalillo County call 505-798-7000. In Rio Rancho, call 505-891-7226.

Call 911 if you see fire. Take note of the nearest physical address and/or cross streets, or nearby landmarks. Call  242-COPS for non-emergency situations.

Most importantly, be safe. Never approach smoke or fire. Leave the area as soon as you detect it and then call 911.

Closing of Major Public Open Space Areas

Article 19 of the City of Albuquerque Code of Ordinances defines when and how the City can close Major Public Open Space.

Increased fire restrictions shall be determined by the Fire Chief and shall be based upon current fire indices, fire behavior predictions, current and expected weather conditions, drought indices, human factors, ignition factors and local factors that would cause undue strain on local fire agencies in the event of a fire.

A ban or stage of restriction shall be publicly declared by the Fire Chief and announced through all public and private media accessible to the Fire Chief.

Once a ban or restrictions have been declared by the Fire Chief, it shall remain in effect until the Fire Chief determines that the increased fire danger has been alleviated.

The Fire Chief will publicly announce that a ban or restriction has been lessened or removed using the same media used to declare the ban or restriction.

Celebrate 4th of July Safely

• By City of Albuquerque Ordinance, the sale and use of all Aerial Fireworks and Ground Audible Devices within the city limits is prohibited.
• Albuquerque Fire Rescue encourages attending public firework displays instead of purchasing fireworks.
• If residents must by fireworks be assured what you buy is legal and safe.
• Fireworks should not be used on "Red Flag Warning" days, as these days indicate extreme risk for wildland fires.
• Fireworks should only be used on paved or barren areas-away from homes, vegetation and combustible materials.
• Users of fireworks should have a readily available source of water, such as a charged garden hose or two 5 gallon buckets available to put out any unintended fires.
• Residents that purchase and use illegal fireworks, such as aerial devices, are putting their community at risk for disaster.

City of Albuquerque Fire Restrictions vs. U.S. Forest Service Fire Restrictions

The Forest Service allows camping and campfires on many of their lands outside of designated camping and picnic areas. The Open Space Division does not allow camping on Major Public Space, and only allows campfires, charcoal fires, and gas stoves in designated picnic areas.

Under Stage II Fire Restrictions, gas stoves are NOT allowed in designated campgrounds and picnic areas.

Please see the Geographic Area Coordinating Group (GACG) definitions for Stage 1 and 2 Fire Restrictions for more information.

Red Flag Warnings

Red Flag Warnings may be announced within 24 hours. Under Red Flag warnings the use of campfires, charcoal, gas stoves, and open flames of any kind is discouraged. Red Flag warnings are announced under unusual circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Sustained winds averaging 15 m.p.h. or greater
• Relative humidity less than or equal to 25 percent and
• A temperature of greater than 75 degrees F.

Please refer to the Red Flag Warning website.

Resources

• City of Albuquerque Fire Department website.
• Open Space Rules and Regulations website regarding fire restrictions.
• The U.S. Forest Service National Fire Danger Rating System.
• Red Flag Warning website provided by the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office.
• NM Fire Info | New Mexico Fire Information, current information on fires in New Mexico.