Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Emergency Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Juan County issues progressive fire restrictions; open burn permits suspended as dry conditions persist
Summary
The county’s fire chief told commissioners that fire danger reached trigger points, prompting progressive restrictions that currently suspend open burn permits; the chief said recreational fires like chimeneas remain allowed and the county is monitoring conditions and may expand restrictions if needed.
San Juan County’s fire chief informed the commission that the county has reached trigger points for elevated fire danger and has implemented progressive restrictions that suspend issuing open burn permits as of the morning of the meeting.
“Over the weekend, we did hit our trigger points to implement some progressive fire restrictions. So as of this morning, we are not issuing any open burn permits,” the Fire Chief told the commission. The chief said the restriction is intended to prevent large wildfires while allowing recreational fires such as chimineas and campfires if done safely.
Why it matters: staff and the fire chief described extremely hot, dry conditions and an abundance of cotton seed on the ground that can accelerate fire spread. The chief said the county is monitoring conditions daily and will consider further restrictions if necessary, especially with the July Fourth holiday approaching when fireworks use increases.
Related local measures and public-safety actions: commissioners and staff said the municipalities of Farmington, Aztec and Bloomfield have local ordinances restricting the use or sale of aerial fireworks; San Juan County itself does not currently have that limitation. The commission noted that McGee Park’s fireworks event was canceled because organizers could not obtain required insurance, and that municipal fire departments will increase patrols and enforcement efforts during the holiday period.
Public advice and recent incidents: commissioners and the fire chief cited recent small wildland fires and everyday fire hazards, including one incident described by a commissioner in which reflected sunlight on glass ignited cotton or dry material near a home. The fire chief said those local incidents underscore the heightened risk and the need for caution this season.
Next steps: the fire chief said the county will continue to monitor fire conditions and return to the commission to recommend additional restrictions if necessary. Staff asked the public to follow local guidance, avoid open burning while permits are suspended, and exercise caution with fireworks and other ignition sources.
