PORTALES, NM – The Roosevelt County Board of Commissioners declared an extreme drought and fire danger emergency within the unincorporated areas of Roosevelt County during their regular Commission meeting April 5, 2022, with agricultural burning permitted. This was based upon current drought indices published by the U.S. Drought Monitor Report, lack of precipitation, low humidity, and abundance of wildland grass and dry, fine fuels that there is a serious likelihood of fire danger in Roosevelt County.

Arch Volunteer Fire Chief Jay Lang asked for the Board of Commission to consider the resolution to institute the ban on burning within the unincorporated areas of the County. “We understand with the weeds, people still want to burn. However, with the weather we are having, and continuing drought…I think it’s time.”  Stated Chief Lang. He shared feedback from the various fire chiefs from throughout the county he had contacted in regards to the issue.

The resolution will remain in effect for 45 days, and the commission will review it again at the May 3, 2022 regular meeting. For more information, please contact the Administrative Offices at 575.356.5307. Click here to view the proclamation.

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