Belen keeps burn ban in place ahead of Fourth of July celebrations

Belen is keeping its burn ban in place through the Fourth of July stretch, and violations can bring fines and seizure of fireworks. The city is warning residents that a careless spark could spread quickly to nearby homes, businesses and dry vegetation while fire crews are already stretched by regional fire danger.

The ban has been in effect since April 6 and prohibits open burning, campfires, welding or grinding near vegetation, and smoking in vegetated areas. Propane grills and propane heaters are allowed, but only with ordinary caution and well away from plant material. The ban was put in place by the Belen fire chief with Valencia County, Rio Communities fire districts and statewide restrictions set by the State Forester.

Under Municipal Code Section 8.04.090, bottle rockets, moon rockets, whistling moon travelers, aerial devices, stick-type rockets, ground audible devices and other high-output fireworks with warning or report labels are prohibited to sell, possess or discharge. Permitted consumer fireworks are limited to items such as sparklers, cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, illuminating torches, toy smoke devices and wheels.

Permissible fireworks may be used until 10 p.m. from June 20 through July 2, then until midnight on July 3 and July 4. Residents should use fireworks only outdoors, keep them away from buildings, dry grass and brush, keep a bucket of water or hose nearby, supervise children, dispose of spent fireworks properly and never relight a dud.

Citations may be issued on Red Flag Days, high-wind and fire-weather days, and other conditions tied to fire warnings. Multiple active fires are burning in New Mexico, including the Osha Canyon Fire, Rio Fire and Bear Fire, and the national wildfire preparedness level rose to 3 on June 19.

The 2026 All American Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, beginning at 5 p.m. at Eagle Park. The city has posted cooling-station information at the Belen Fire Department and the Belen Recreation Center.