Otero County issues Burn Ban Published June 20, 2012 By Otero County Administration HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Effective immediately, Otero County has determined that, in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Otero County due to existing drought conditions, current fire activity and minimal moisture received within Otero County, the present fire danger has increased, and hereby enacts a Burn Ban within Otero County. This ban prohibits fireworks on all lands within the boundaries of the Lincoln National Forest and all burning of open flames, fires, trash, rubbish, shrubbery or other material of any kind within the affected unincorporated area of the county. Fireplaces in particular, the unquenched ashes from same, may present a significant hazard and use should be discouraged during this period of drought. Failure to comply with restrictions in this proclamation may be chargeable under several different state statutes. This proclamation is to remain in effect until it is rescinded by declaration of the Otero County Emergency Services director upon his receipt of documented evidence from the National Weather Service and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service that the fire danger and drought levels in Otero County have abated. The declaration shall be made in writing and published to the news entities and radio stations specified in the Otero County Open Meetings Resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners may rescind or modify this proclamation at any duly convened public meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. For additional information, please contact the Otero County Sheriff's Office at 575-437-2210 or, in the case of an emergency, dial 911.