Fire Restrictions & Closures in the City of Raton Including all City Properties

• Smoking: The ignition of or use of such materials in mountainous, brush covered or forested areas or other designated areas is prohibited.
• Fireworks: Until further notice NO fireworks may be discharged within the City of Raton. This total ban includes aerial, ground audible and safe and sane.  It is illegal to sell, offer to sell or possess aerial fireworks in the City.  The City Fireworks Show is currently being evaluated and a decision will be made by June 30^th. 
• Open Burning which includes camp fires, bon fires, controlled burns of vegetation or any open burning and flame which is not contained within a commercially approved device is banned.  Exceptions are:
• For cooking or heating devices that use kerosene, white gas or propane as a fuel in an improved and safe area that is cleared of all flammable vegetation.
• In charcoal grills and wood and coal stoves within yards associated with a residence or on the premises of a business.
• Restrictions on chain saw use. Chainsaw use for firewood cutting or clearing land will be regulated by the Fire Danger Rating System. When fire danger levels reach very high and extreme, chainsaw use is prohibited in mountainous, brush covered or forested areas. Please check the following web site for the daily rating or contact the Fire Department for approval.  http://www.wfas.net/images/firedanger/subsets/fdc_o_sw.png   (For information, contact the Fire Department at 575-445-2708
• Access to Climax Canyon and the Old Pass is banned.  Land owners should contact the City if they wish to inspect their properties.  No access will be permitted until 100 percent containment of the Track fire is confirmed.  Restricted access will be considered after mud slide and debris flow dangers are assessed and mitigated. 
• Sugarite State Park has been closed to the public.  Only firefighting crews, Parks employees, remediation crews and approved government employees may enter the City Watershed. 
• The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

All City residents, visitors and land owners are encouraged to call the Fire Department at 575-445-2708 or 911 to report any illegal activity or suspected smoke or fire activity.