With the increase in hotter temperatures and drying winds over the past few days, drier fuel moistures have escalated the potential for new fire starts. Based on current weather and fuel conditions and the increase in public and recreational activities within the Forest during the upcoming holiday, the fire danger rating now sits at HIGH. This HIGH fire danger rating extends across the entire forest, which includes Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger Districts.
A fire danger rating of HIGH means that fine dead fuels will ignite readily and fires will start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires will spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small in size.
“Even with the HIGH fire danger rating, there are still no fire restrictions in place, but that does not mean that Forest visitors should not be aware of the conditions and the ease at which a single ignition can lead to a wildfire,” said Dave Bales, Fire Staff Officer. “There will be an increase in the number of visitors to the forest this Memorial Day weekend. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Do your part to prevent wildfires!” Bales added.
If you plan to visit the Lincoln National Forest, please follow these safety tips:
- Make sure campfires are dead out!
- Park vehicles in areas that are paved or bare - NOT in tall, dry grass.
- If you smoke, do so in areas that clear of vegetation.
- It’s ALWAYS illegal to possess or use fireworks on public lands.
Additional information about the Lincoln National Forest can be obtained by visiting or calling any of the offices listed below:
Smokey Bear Ranger District, 8 am - 4 pm, Mon - Fri
901 Mechem Drive
Ruidoso, NM 88345
Sacramento Ranger District, 8 am – 4 pm, Mon - Fri
4 Lost Lodge Road
Cloudcroft, NM 88317
Guadalupe Ranger District, 8 am – 4 pm, Mon - Fri
5203 Buena Vista Drive
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Supervisor’s Office, 8 am – 4:30 pm, Mon – Fri
3463 Las Palomas Road
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Visit www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/LincolnUSForest
For wildfire or prescribed fire information please visit http://nmfireinfo.com/