(A) The Fire Chief may impose a ban upon any or all types of open fires or contained open fires in the unincorporated areas of Valencia County, New Mexico if it is deemed that danger of forest, grass, or structural fires are found to be high, by competent evidence which may include:
(1) Any similar ban imposed under the authority of the Governor of the State of New Mexico;
(2) Any recommendation, or similar ban from New Mexico State Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, United States Forest Service, New Mexico Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, or any other service of the Federal, state, or local government.
(3) Any testimony or exhibits establishing that, due to weather, weather forecasts, or conditions of forest, grass, or other vegetation, the likelihood of a fire is high.
(B) During the time of the ban of contained or open fire, an individual may make a request to Valencia County Emergency Services Fire Chief for an exemption of such ban. After an inspection of the containment structure, surrounding vegetation, and potential fire fuel, and the immediate availability of fire suppression apparatus, the County Fire Chief may exempt from such ban, the open fire or contained open fire.
(C) Notice of such ban shall be given by best means available, including press release, individual notification to any agency requesting or advising in favor of the ban, individual notification to law enforcement agencies or such other means as in its discretion the Fire Department deems is appropriate under the circumstances.
(D) Any such ban shall specify an expiration date. The ban may be extended in the same manner as its original imposition and upon competent evidence that the fire danger continues.
(Ord. 2014-01, passed 1-15-2014)