Lincoln National Forest prepares for pile burns on Smokey Bear Ranger District

Favorable weather conditions in place for hazardous fuels reduction work.

The Lincoln National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations in the Smokey Bear Ranger District on Tuesday, October 21, pending all required approvals. This multi-day operation will continue as weather conditions allow. Prescribed fires reduce overgrown vegetation, which helps to protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from extreme, high-severity wildfires.

Smokey Bear Ranger District pile burns planned:

Two acres of hand piles are located within the administrative site of the Smokey Bear Ranger District.

This area may be closed to the public for several days for safety reasons. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during operations. Personnel will continue to access the area in the following weeks to implement mop-up operations. These operations extinguish remaining hot spots and secure the fire perimeter to prevent rekindling.

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed fire in the communities of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, and Alto, NM. Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to find more detailed information about air quality. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.

Weather conditions will be evaluated in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the Lincoln National Forest website and Facebook page.

Document(s): 2025 Smokey Bear Ranger District Prescribed Fire Piles News Release_Final

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