October 29, 2026 (RUIDOSO, NM) — The Lincoln National Forest is planning prescribed pile burning on the Sacramento Ranger District beginning as early as Friday, October 30, 2026. Residents and travelers in the area may see smoke from this planned Forest Service activity.
According to the Lincoln National Forest, recent wetting moisture has created an opportunity to conduct prescribed fire operations, depending on fuel moisture and other conditions. Additional burning may continue Saturday, October 31, as conditions allow.
Planned Burn Area
The project involves the 16 Springs–Crooked Piles, covering approximately 153 acres off Sixteen Springs Canyon Road near the junction of Carr Gap Road.
Certified prescribed fire specialists use prescribed fire to reduce overgrown vegetation and help protect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from extreme, high-severity wildfires.
The Lincoln National Forest’s 16 Springs–Crooked Piles prescribed fire project covers approximately 153 acres on the Sacramento Ranger District. Map courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.
Smoke and Safety Information
No closures are associated with the planned prescribed fire activity, although visitors should remain alert for firefighters working in the area.
Smoke may be visible in the surrounding region, and residents in 16 Springs and Mayhill may experience smoke during operations. The Forest Service works with air quality specialists to monitor smoke and schedules prescribed fire activities with smoke management conditions in mind.
Motorists who encounter smoke on roadways should:
Slow down.
Turn on headlights.
Use hazard lights in areas of heavy smoke to improve visibility for other drivers.
The Forest Service advises the public not to report the prescribed fires, as firefighters will remain on scene throughout ignition operations and will patrol the area afterward.
For current air quality and smoke conditions, visit AirNow’s Fire and Smoke Map:
Prescribed Burn Is Weather- and Conditions-Dependent
The Forest Service will evaluate conditions in the days and hours before ignition. Planned prescribed fire activities may be postponed or canceled if conditions are not favorable.
For current information about the prescribed fire schedule and other Lincoln National Forest updates, visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest
