**Public Service Announcement**
Our local Fire Departments and Law Enforcement continue to receive notifications of fires that are actually controlled burns that have not been reported to dispatch. When this happens, law enforcement is advised as well local fire departments are dispatched to the location, potentially pulling them from another incident. With the increasingly dry weather and strong winds, we strongly encourage everyone to be conscientious when they burn and to please report your controlled burns to Hidalgo County Central Dispatch prior to igniting.
Open Burning / Controlled Burns
Everyone is requested to call Hidalgo County Central Dispatch at 575-542-8827 prior to conducting an open burn / controlled burn. Failure to do so may result in Fire & Law Enforcement being dispatched for a report of a fire, tying up resources.
Some tips on open/controlled burns:
* The material(s) to be burned are natural (no plastics, petroleum products, hazardous materials, treated wood, building materials, household waste, or similar items). State Law prohibits burning household trash. County Convenience Stations are available in Lordsburg, Animas, Cotton City, Virden & Rodeo.
* Ensure you have a sufficient water supply and tools available to put the fire out immediately if required to do so.
* Open burn piles should be at least 50 feet from a structure and contained burning should be at least 15 feet from a structure.
* Burn piles should not be under any overhead utilities.
* Don’t burn during times of high wind, high fire danger, burn bans or poor air quality days.
* Attend to the burn at all times.
