Lincoln National Forest Raises Fire Danger Rating to High

Rating increases to ‘High’ for all three Forest districts

March 16, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) —The Lincoln National Forest has increased its fire danger rating from “Moderate” to “High” across all three Forest ranger districts, effective March 16, 2026.

The rating comes from the National Fire Danger Rating System, which uses a color-coded scale to show how easily a wildfire could start in an area.

What “High” Fire Danger Means

• Dry grasses, leaves and small branches can catch fire easily.

• Most sparks or heat sources can start a fire.

• Unattended campfires or brush fires are likely to escape.

• Fires spread quickly, especially on slopes or in areas with dry vegetation.

• Small fires can become dangerous if not put out right away.

There are currently no restrictions against campfires on Lincoln National Forest, however, it is important that visitors are aware of the risks and take the proper precautions.

How Visitors Can Help

• Visitors to Lincoln National Forest are asked to:

• Never leave a campfire unattended.

• Drown your fire with plenty of water.

• Stir the ashes and add more water until everything is cold to the touch.

• Avoid burning on windy days.

What can you do with fire danger information?

Use it to plan ahead for your visit to the Lincoln National Forest, to prepare your home and community to be wildfire ready and to practice campfire safety.

We all have a part to play in protecting our public lands and communities from wildfire.

For more information and updates on conditions, please visit the Lincoln National Forest website and social media channels.