Burn Restrictions Lifted:

Burn restrictions with District 6 have been lifted. It is once again possible for individuals who possess a valid burn permit to burn within the unincorporated areas of Colfax County, District 6 Fire Department. Please read and comply with the information below.

Burn Permits:

Burn permits for Moreno Valley Fire Department can be obtained at the Val Verde Station, located on Highway 64 about a mile north of the blinking light, and at Black Lake Station, which is south of Angel Fire on Highway 434 near Logger’s Ridge.

Notification When Open Burning Will Be Allowed:

It is the intention of the Fire Marshal’s Office, and that of MVFD to streamline the burn permit process as much as possible. After all, our intent is not to inhibit or prohibit a person’s ability to burn, but rather to make sure that the process is safe for the overall community.

It is therefore possible that burn permits can be issued when burning is not allowed, anticipating the time when burning is acceptable. Persons who are planning to burn might be advised to obtain a burn permit, even though burning may not be currently allowed, and wait for the time when burning can once again resume.

How can a person find out if burning is allowed? There are several ways to determine if burning is allowed. The easiest is to sign up, or subscribe to the mailing list here on this web site. The sign-up form is located on the left sidebar of this web page. Simply enter your email address and press the “sign-up” button, and you’ll receive notice whenever information changes on this site. We’ll post information about burning as soon as things change, and you’ll receive an email. When you no longer wish to receive email from us, simply click on the “unsubscribe” link when you receive your next email and you’ll be removed from the list.

The second method to determine if burning is allowed is to check either the Black Lake or Val Verde Fire Station. When burning is allowed, there will be signs posted that say “Burn Permits Required”. If burning is not allowed, the sigh will read, “No Burning”.

The third method of determining if burning is allowed is to call Red River Dispatch. They are informed of the status at all times. Please do not engage in long discussions with them about burning. They do not make the policy, and their primary job as emergency dispatchers is their primary concern. Their number is 505-754-2333.

Instructions  For Open Burning: 

The following instructions apply to planned burns within the Colfax County, Moreno Valley Fire Department (MVFD). MVFD is located within the Moreno Valley from the southern tip of Eagle Nest Lake to the Mora County line, west to the Taos County Line, and the western slope of the mountains east of the Moreno Valley.

Burns within the Village of Angel Fire are the responsibility of the Village of Angel Fire. Contact The Village Fire Department at 377-3347 if your planned burn is within the Village Limits.

Unless burning is specifically prohibited, persons planning an open burn (other than an approved camp fire or Bar-B-Que) should obtain an “Application For Open Burning” form and comply with the instructions here and on the next few pages. Remember that persons burning materials of any kind at any time are responsible for damage that may result because of the burning activity. In addition, persons involved in burning activity may be responsible for costs in extinguishing a fire that is out of control or, in the opinion of the Fire Department, is unsafe.

1. “Application For Open Burning” forms are available at the Val Verde and Black Lake Fire Stations. They are also available online at www.morenovalleyfire.com.

2. Persons planning a burn should obtain the “Application For Open Burning” Form at least seven days prior to their planned burning date.

3. Complete the form and return it by one of the following means:

1. The most expeditions method of completing your application is to return it to the Black Lake Fire Station. Put it in the box marked “Completed Burn Forms”.

2. You can also return the completed form to the Val Verde Station, and again, put it in the box marked “Completed Burn Forms” near the main door.

3. A third alternative is to fax the completed form to 505-377-2700.

4. A Fire Department representative will be in contact with you to arrange an inspection of the proposed burn site. We will verify that the proposed burn site has met the following conditions:

1. Sufficient defensible space exists between the burn site and other flammable material.

2. There exists a continuous water supply capable of extinguishing the fire.

3. Minimum hand tools are on hand including a shovel and rake or shovel and hoe.

5. On the day of the burn, the person responsible for burning should check signage at either Val Verde or Black Lake Fire station to verify that burning is permitted.

6. Before igniting any fire, call the Fire Department Dispatch Office in Red River at 754-2333. Inform the dispatcher of your intentions. They will have a copy of your burn application on file.

7. You are responsible for exercising reasonable judgment in determining that conditions are safe before beginning any burning. Remember that if in the opinion of the Fire Department your burn is unsafe for any reason, or if your burn causes damage to any other person’s property, you may be liable for damages and costs associated with extinguishing the fire.

8. Once burning is underway, remember that at least one responsible person must be in attendance at all times. If you leave the fire for any reason, put it out. If the Fire Department observes your fire without someone in attendance, or without proper tools and preparation, we will put it out for you. You may be responsible for the costs of this service.

9. Please be aware that a burn ordinance is now in effect in Colfax County. Persons who violate provisions of this ordinance may be cited.

These instructions, along with the Application for Open Burning can be downloaded here:

 

 

 

Application for Open Burning (Word Document)

Application for Open Burning (PDF)