Lincoln National Forest Implements Stage 2 Restrictions

May 07, 2025 — Lincoln National Forest officials will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Wednesday, May 7th at 8:00 a.m. due to increased fire danger across the forest. The restrictions will apply to all three districts.

Under a “very high” fire danger rating, fires can start easily from most causes.

The Stage 2 restrictions are enforceable by law and will remain in effect until Forest Service officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts when visiting the Lincoln:

AT ALL TIMES:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

3. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads.

4. Using an explosive.

  FROM 1 PM to 6 AM:

1. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.

2. Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine.

NOTE: Persons performing the acts identified in 5 and 6, within the permissible timeframe (6:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.), are required to perform a fire watch for a minimum of 1 hour after work is completed for the day. 

EXEMPTIONS DURING STAGE 2:

1. Persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the generator.

2. Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.  Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device.

3. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

4. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required.

Violation of fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

For more information regarding the fire restrictions closure order, shooting restrictions, and an accompanying map, see Alerts & Closures

The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across New Mexico on the New Mexico Fire Information website’s Fire Restrictions Page.