Colfax County Fire Marshall Nate Sandoval announced on March 25, 2026 that the Moreno Valley Fire District would be the fifth district in Colfax County to request a Fire Ban.
Colfax County has eight fire districts total and now over half of them have requested to be added to the original list which was released a month ago on February 25.
2/25/2026
Burn Ban Notification – Colfax County, New Mexico
Due to the onset of drought conditions and weather patterns supporting active fire
behavior, a burn ban is being implemented in Colfax County. Current environmental
factors, including dry fuels, low humidity, and increased winds, present an elevated risk
for wildfire ignition and rapid-fire spread.
Under the authority granted by county ordinance 2006-1, the Fire Marshal is authorized
to implement burn restrictions to protect public safety, property, and natural resources.
These conditions will continue to be closely monitored by District Chiefs to evaluate the
need for expanding the burn ban to additional fire districts as necessary.
At this time, the following districts, in addition to newly-added Moreno Valley Fire District, have formally requested and will be placed under a burn ban:
• Ute Park Fire District
• Farley Fire District
• Miami Fire District
• Colfax County Rapid Response District
Burn Ban Restrictions
All burn permits in the affected districts are hereby revoked.
Effective immediately, the following activities are prohibited within the affected
districts:
• All outdoor burning, including debris burning, slash piles, and open fires.
• Recreational fires and campfires.
• Use of outdoor burning devices, including but not limited to chimineas, fire pits,
and burn barrels.
• Charcoal grills and any cooking devices that use charcoal briquettes or solid fuels.
• Use o f fireworks, explosive targets, or any pyrotechnic devices.
• Welding, grinding, or other activities that may generate sparks in areas of dry
vegetation unless proper fire prevention measures are i n place.
Allowed Activities
• Propane o r gas grills and stoves are permitted, provided they are used in a safe
manner and i n areas clear o f flammable materials.
• Chainsaws are allowed, provided the factory installed spark arrest has not been
removed or modified.
Additional districts may be added as requests are received from Fire Districts.
Notification of any updates or expansions to the burn ban will be announced as they
occur.
Residents and visitors are urged to comply with all restrictions, remain vigilant, and
report any signs of wildfire immediately. Cooperation is essential in preventing wildfires
and protecting our communities.
Colfax County Fire Marshal’s Office
230 North 3rd Street Raton, NM 87740
Phone: 575-445-8931 Cell: 575-447-1639
Fax: 575-445-7154
E-mail firemarshal@co.colfax.nm.us
