Lincoln National Forest Plans Prescribed Burns Near Nogal and Alto Beginning October 27
October 23, 2026 (RUIDOSO, NM) — The Lincoln National Forest plans to conduct prescribed pile burns in the Smokey Bear Ranger District as early as Tuesday, October 27, 2026, following forecasted moisture.
Forest Service officials expect to begin with the Skinner Block 2 project near Nogal, followed by the Little Eagle Piles project northwest of Alto, depending on fuel moisture levels after the forecasted rains. Additional prescribed fire activity may continue through the end of October as conditions allow.
Certified prescribed fire specialists use prescribed fire to reduce overgrown vegetation, helping protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from extreme, high-severity wildfires.
Planned Prescribed Fire Projects
Skinner Block 2 — 115 acres
Located north of Cora Dutton Road near Nogal, New Mexico. The Forest Service currently anticipates beginning this project as early as Tuesday, October 27, conditions permitting.
Little Eagle Piles — 45 acres
Located northwest of Alto, New Mexico, near the Little Creek area. This project is expected to follow Skinner Block 2, depending on fuel moisture levels and other conditions.
The Forest Service will evaluate conditions in the days and hours before ignition. If conditions are not favorable, prescribed fire activities may be postponed or canceled.
Smoke and Safety Information
Residents may experience smoke from the prescribed fire activity in Alto, Capitan, and Nogal. Smoke may also be visible from surrounding areas.
The Forest Service works closely with air quality specialists and monitors smoke during prescribed fire operations. Burns are timed to support effective smoke management.
There are no closures associated with this planned prescribed fire activity. Visitors in the affected areas should remain alert and use caution while firefighters are working.
When driving through smoky areas:
Slow down.
Turn on headlights.
Use hazard lights in areas of heavy smoke to improve visibility for other drivers.
Please do not report these prescribed fires. Firefighters will remain on scene throughout ignition operations and will continue patrols afterward.
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.
