Burn bans in New Mexico
New Mexico's State Forester can enact a statewide fire restriction order covering non-federal, non-Tribal and non-municipal land — a single order for the whole state rather than a county-by-county process. It stays in effect until the State Forester rescinds it. National forests, BLM districts, Tribal land and municipalities each set their own separate restrictions on top.
All counties in New Mexico
| county | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Bernalillo | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Catron | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Chaves | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Cibola | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Colfax | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Curry | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| De Baca | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Doña Ana | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Eddy | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Grant | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Guadalupe | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Harding | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Hidalgo | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Lea | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Lincoln | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Los Alamos | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Luna | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| McKinley | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Mora | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Otero | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Quay | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Rio Arriba | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Roosevelt | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| San Juan | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| San Miguel | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Sandoval | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Santa Fe | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Sierra | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Socorro | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Taos | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Torrance | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Union | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Valencia | Partial Restrictions | Apr 6, 2026 |
How New Mexico decides
- New Mexico has 33 counties, but the order is not county-by-county — one statewide declaration covers all non-federal, non-Tribal, non-municipal land at once.
- The order stays in effect until the State Forester rescinds it — there is no fixed calendar window.
- National forest, BLM, Tribal and municipal land are outside this order and may carry stricter restrictions of their own.
- The State Forester can grant written exceptions for specific prohibited activities on a case-by-case basis.
Penalties in New Mexico
Violating the State Forester's restriction order is a petty misdemeanor. Escaped fires can also trigger liability for suppression costs and civil damages. Federal, Tribal and municipal restrictions carry their own separate penalties.
Classification: Petty misdemeanor · Maximum fine: up to $500, per the State Forester's restriction order
Common questions about New Mexico burn bans
Is there a burn ban in New Mexico right now?
No county-level burn ban is currently reported by New Mexico EMNRD — Forestry Division for New Mexico. Municipal rules within a county may still apply.
How does New Mexico issue a burn ban?
New Mexico's State Forester can enact a statewide fire restriction order covering non-federal, non-Tribal and non-municipal land — a single order for the whole state rather than a county-by-county process. It stays in effect until the State Forester rescinds it. National forests, BLM districts, Tribal land and municipalities each set their own separate restrictions on top.
How long does a burn ban last in New Mexico?
Bans are issued by county officials and typically stay in effect until conditions improve or the order expires. Some counties set explicit expiration dates; others leave a ban open-ended until lifted. Check each county's page for the expiration listed on the current order.
What are the penalties for violating a burn ban in New Mexico?
Violating the State Forester's restriction order is a petty misdemeanor. Escaped fires can also trigger liability for suppression costs and civil damages. Federal, Tribal and municipal restrictions carry their own separate penalties.
burnbanradar reports the counties-level orders as published by New Mexico EMNRD — Forestry Division. Municipal ordinances may impose stricter rules. When New Mexico EMNRD — Forestry Division does not list a county, that does not mean no ban exists — verify with the county office. The published order governs.