Lincoln National Forest Plans Prescribed Burns Beginning October 13
October 8, 2026 (RUIDOSO, NM) — The Lincoln National Forest plans prescribed pile burning on the Smokey Bear Ranger District beginning as early as Tuesday, October 13, 2026, weather and conditions permitting.
The planned work includes:
Smokey Bear Ranger District Administrative Pile Burn — October 13: Approximately 2 acres behind the Smokey Bear Ranger District Office off Mechem Drive in Ruidoso.
Skinner Block 2 — October 14: Approximately 115 acres north of Cora Dutton Road near Nogal.
Additional prescribed fire activity may continue through the end of October as conditions allow. Forest Service officials will evaluate conditions in the days and hours before ignition, and activities may be postponed or canceled if conditions are not favorable.
What Residents Should Know
No closures are associated with the planned prescribed fire activity. Residents and visitors should remain alert around active work areas while firefighters are present.
Smoke may be visible or noticeable in Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Alto, and Nogal. The Forest Service coordinates with air quality specialists and schedules prescribed fires to support effective smoke management.
Motorists traveling through smoky areas should slow down, turn on headlights, and use hazard lights in areas of heavy smoke to improve visibility to other drivers.
Residents are asked not to report these prescribed fires, as firefighters will remain on scene during ignition and will patrol the areas afterward.
Why Prescribed Burning Is Conducted
According to the Lincoln National Forest, prescribed fire is used to reduce overgrown vegetation and help protect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from extreme, high-severity wildfires.
Stay Informed
Schedules can change based on weather and site conditions. For current Lincoln National Forest prescribed fire information:
Lincoln National Forest:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln
Current air quality and smoke conditions:
https://fire.airnow.gov/
The Forest Service also provides updates through the Lincoln National Forest Facebook page.
