RUIDOSO FIRE DEPARTMENT

Be Sure You are In-the-Know on Fire Pit Guidelines

There have been many questions recently about the use of fire pits within the Village limits. Here is a brief overview that will hopefully explain the guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact the Fire Marshal at 575-257-3473.

Gas Burning Devices

(Any device that runs off of propane or natural gas, with the exception of a BBQ grill)

» Must be at least 15’ from any structure

» Must be surrounded by a 6-foot safety radius that contains no combustible materials including wooden or plastic decks

» If permanent, must be installed, inspected and pressure tested by professionals

» Must have an easily identifiable means to shut off fuel supply

» Must have sufficient water supply within 5’

» Must be permitted

Outdoor Heating Devices

Patio LP Gas Devices (Patio Heating Tower)

» Must be commercially constructed, approved and used according to intended purpose only (UL, CSA, ANSI)

» Must be equipped with an anti-tilt safety switch

» Must be at least 18” from any combustible materials

» May require a permit if an open flame is present

Outdoor Heating Devices

Electric Heating Devices (Ceramic Heaters, Industrial Heaters)

» Must be commercially constructed, approved and used according to intended purpose only

» Must be attached directly to a GFCI outlet (no extension cord or multioutlet power strip)

Wood Burning Devices

(Commercially-made Wood Burning Fire Pit)

» Fires must be contained in a commercially constructed and approved fire pit

» No open front

» No open chimney

» The fire in the bed of the containment device may not be more than 36” in diameter

» Must be surrounded by a 6-foot safety radius that contains no combustible materials including wooden or plastic decks

» Must be at least 15’ from any structure

» Must be completely covered by a metal screen with holes no larger than ¼”

» Must have sufficient water supply within 5’

» Must be immovable and non-portable

» Must be permitted

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:

» Permits cost $200 annually

» Inspections must be conducted by Fire chief, Fire Marshal or other designee

» Items that require a permit include ANY open flame not associated with cooking and any use of fire forbidden under current fire restriction

» It is NEVER advisable to have any outdoor flame with wind speeds more than 9 MPH due to the fact that Ruidoso is located in a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area

» Permi ts are suspended when the Village of Ruidoso reaches Level 2 or Level 3

Fire Restrictions

» Any person who violates the fire pit code shall be subject to a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $500 and up to 90 days in jail