Commissioners approve notice of intent to adopt temporary red-flag open burn ban ordinance

Roosevelt County commissioners voted to approve a notice of intent to adopt Ordinance 2026-O1, a measure that would impose an open-burn ban only while a National Weather Service red-flag warning is active.

Emergency manager Montiel told the board the ordinance "does not create a permanent burn ban" but instead gives clear guidance and enforcement authority during the highest-risk weather events, when high winds and low humidity can create extreme fire behavior. He said the measure preserves common-sense exemptions, including for cooking devices and necessary hot work conducted under safety protocols, and that fire agencies retain the authority to shut down any activity that becomes unsafe.

Montiel said the ordinance was reviewed by local fire chiefs, law enforcement and the state forestry office and that those agencies were supportive. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing and enforcement; Montiel said the ban activates when a red-flag warning is issued and ends when the warning is canceled.

The board approved the notice of intent to publish the ordinance and requested the standard notice-to-adopt process. Because the board approved publication of the notice of intent, the next steps will include required public notice and a future formal adoption vote.