The Village of Ruidoso, NM, has implemented Level II fire restrictions effective immediately on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Noon. These additional fire protections will remain in effect until officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire.
Read MorePrescribed burns planned for the Smokey Bear Ranger District
Prescribed burns on the Smokey Bear Ranger District in the Lincoln National Forest will tentatively begin on September 11 and continue through September 22, 2023. Work will take place on the Brazel Push, the Smokey Bear Admin site, and the Jack’s Peak East unit. Operations will cease or be canceled on short notice if it is determined that conditions are not optimal.
Read MoreLincoln National Forest West Mountain Fire Final Update /August 29, 2023
Crews from the Smokey Bear Ranger District are finishing work on the West Mountain Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire that began on August 3, 2023. The completed work is part of long-term goals in forest land management and wildfire mitigation efforts in the Lincoln National Forest. This is the final update on the West Mountain Fire unless there are any breaking developments.
Read MoreVillage of Ruidoso Returns to Level 1 Fire Restrictions
The Village of Ruidoso returns to Level 1 fire restrictions effective immediately on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Fire danger ratings and regulations are subject to weather and climate conditions. The Village of Ruidoso will notify the public immediately of any changes. Learn more about the current protections in place.
Read MoreLincoln National Forest raises fire danger rating
The Lincoln National Forest has increased the fire danger rating from “moderate” to “high,” effective June 22, 2023. The measure is part of ongoing efforts to mitigate wildfire risk in the area. These precautions are essential in preventing wildfires.
Read MoreRuidoso firefighters recognized for heroic actions
Ruidoso firefighters Anthony Franks and Tony Nanz were honored with awards for their heroic actions in the April 2022 McBride Fire. Alec Davis also received the Fire Safety Commendation Award for his service fighting active wildfires in Texas and California.
Read MoreFEMA Mobile Units Deployed to Assist New Mexico Residents
FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRCs) will be stationed in various locations through early October to help eligible New Mexico residents apply for disaster assistance whose homes or personal property were damaged by wildfires and/or subsequent flooding directly related to the burn scars. No appointments are necessary to visit a DRC. However, the fastest and easiest way to apply for federal disaster assistance is online at: disasterassistance.gov/.
Read MoreMcBride Fire Burn Scar Recovery Efforts Continue
The Village of Ruidoso has been working with regional and state partners to help recovery efforts in Gavilan Canyon after the McBride Fire. The fire burned through Gavilan Canyon into the Eagle Creek drainage in early April 2022.
Read MoreUpdate: Cienigita Fire on Mescalero Reservation - June 7, 2022
The Cienegita Fire, located approximately four miles northwest of the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, remains at 37 acres. Crews and aerial resources made excellent progress over the past day bringing the fire’s total containment to 95%. There are currently no Ruidoso neighborhoods in any phase of the READY, SET, GO evacuation status.
Read MoreUpdate: Cienigita Fire on Mescalero Reservation - June 6, 2022 at 7:00 pm
The Cienegita Fire, located approximately four miles northwest of the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, has maintained 37 acres. Crews are making excellent progress in containing the fire at a 56% containment. There are currently no Ruidoso neighborhoods in any phase of the READY, SET, GO evacuation status.
Read MoreUpdate: Cienigita Fire on Mescalero Reservation - June 6, 2022 at 10:00 am
After working with the IC on the Type 3 Team for the Cienigita Fire, the Village of Ruidoso has lifted the READY status on the west end of the Upper Canyon, Perk Canyon, and Brady Canyon.
Read MoreUpdate: Cienigita Fire on Mescalero Reservation - June 5, 2022 at 8:00 pm
The Cienegita Fire was ignited by lightning on June 3 after multiple lightning strikes hit the area. The fire is located approximately four miles northwest of the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and is 37 acres with 25% contained. There are no mandatory evacuation notices in effect; however, Upper Canyon, Park Canyon, and Brady Canyon, within the Village of Ruidoso, is in a state of readiness to evacuate, if necessary.
Read MoreUpdate: Cienigita Fire on Mescalero Reservation - June 5, 2022 at 8:30 am
Winds are expected to be 15-20 mph today. A Type 3 Incident Management Team was ordered yesterday and is expected to arrive within 24 hrs. At this time, the west end of the Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Perk Canyon, Cedar Creek, and Alpine Village remain on READY status out of an abundance of caution. We will continue to keep you updated here as we learn more.
Read MoreUpdate: Cienigita Fire on Mescalero Reservation - June 4, 2022 at 8:45 pm
The Village of Ruidoso has put Alpine Village, Cedar Creek, the west end of the Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, and Perk Canyon on READY status due to the Cienigita Fire that is currently burning on the Reservation. This is being done out of an abundance of caution.
Read MoreRuidoso Raises Fire Restrictions to Level 3 Effective May 19, 2022
The Village of Ruidoso will implement an escalation to Level 3 fire restrictions at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022, which bans sources of fire outside on any public or private property as follows due to extreme fire danger. The order will remain in effect until further notice. Citations will be issued. No exceptions. No warnings.
Read MoreLincoln National Forest Enters Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
The Lincoln National Forest joins other forest and parks in New Mexico who are implementing strict fire restrictions among a flurry of wildfires across the state. The Lincoln National Forest is entering Stage 2 fire restrictions just a week after going into Stage 1 restrictions.
Read MoreForest Service Begins Post-Fire Assessments
A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been established by the Lincoln NF to begin a burned area assessment of the Nogal Canyon and McBride Fires that recently burned on private, state, and federal lands in and near Ruidoso, NM.
Read MoreMcBride and Nogal Canyon Fire – Friday, April 22, 2022, FINAL UPDATE
Highlights: Both the Nogal Canyon and McBride Fires were transferred to a Type 4 Command structure on April 21st at 7:00 am. Safety: Today is an Extremely Critical Fire Weather Day. There are red flag warnings in effect. Lincoln County, the Village of Ruidoso, Otero County, and the Lincoln National Forest are ALL under fire restrictions or burn bans. Please do not burn debris, weld, or have campfires on red flag warning days.
Read MoreMcBride Fire 2022 Transitions to Type-4 Incident Management
As of 7 am Thursday, April 21, 2022, the McBride Fire has been transferred to a Type-4 Incident Management Team. With high containment numbers and no fire movement for multiple days, we will be switching to a full written update every other day.
Read MoreLincoln County Declares Fire Danger Emergency
In accordance with Lincoln County Ordinance 2017-03, the Board of County Commissioners of Lincoln County has enacted Resolution 2021-58 banning all burning of open flames, fires, campfires, trash, rubbish, shrubbery, or other material of any kind except by permit. This Resolution is to remain in effect for thirty (30) days or until rescinded by the Board of Commissioners.
Read More