The Smokey Bear Ranger District Office in Ruidoso remains open weekdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., despite a June 30 shift to appointment-only service at the Alamogordo Supervisors Office. Sacramento and Guadalupe offices also remain open, with adjusted schedules. Full Forest Service contact info at: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/offices.

One year after the South Fork Fire, the Village of Ruidoso honors a year of courage, compassion, and community recovery. Join the June 17 remembrance event at Wingfield Park and explore ongoing support resources. Full details at ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire-anniversary.

Effective June 5, the fire danger rating across all three districts of Lincoln National Forest has been lowered from “very high” to “high.” Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect. Visitors are urged to stay alert and follow all safety guidelines. Details: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln

The Village of Ruidoso has proclaimed May 17, 2025, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. Residents are urged to clear brush, create evacuation plans, and sign up for alerts at CallMeRuidoso.com. With current Level II and Stage 2 fire restrictions in place, every action counts in making Ruidoso a safer, fire-adapted community.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions went into effect at 8:00 a.m. on May 7, 2025, across all three districts of Lincoln National Forest due to very high fire danger. Open flames, smoking, off-road vehicle use, and certain tools are restricted. Violations are subject to fines and jail time. Details and updates are available on the NM Fire Info website.

Starting March 17, the Ruidoso Forestry Department will launch two major fire prevention efforts. A 30-acre thinning project on Grindstone Lake’s south end and a 71-acre fuel break along Moon Mountain’s west side are designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. These initiatives will use only mechanical treatments to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health, with no prescribed burns planned.

Due to dry conditions, Lincoln National Forest has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective March 10, 2025. Campfires and charcoal grills are limited to developed campsites or picnic areas with agency-built fire rings. Dispersed campfires are prohibited, and smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles or buildings. Chainsaw use remains permitted.

The Village of Ruidoso will move to Level II fire restrictions on March 10, 2025, to reduce wildfire risk during severe drought. Certain outdoor activities and equipment use will be limited or prohibited to protect public safety. Residents and visitors should familiarize themselves with the full guidelines and exercise caution until conditions improve.

Join the Sierra Club’s A Decade of Forest Fires – Ruidoso Hike on March 22, 2025, from 10 AM – 12 PM. This moderate, 3.5-mile hike through Cedar Creek Trails explores fire-scarred landscapes and forest recovery, with scenic views of Sierra Blanca and Ski Apache. Limited to 10 participants; RSVP by March 20. No dogs; ages 14+ with a guardian. Register: www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar.

February 10, 2025 – Effective immediately, Lincoln National Forest has raised its fire danger rating from “moderate” to “high” due to low moisture levels and forecasted dry conditions. Fires can now start and spread easily, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Visitors are urged to follow fire safety guidelines and ensure campfires are fully extinguished.

The Village of Ruidoso alerts residents to three post-fire recovery programs for private landowners impacted by the South Fork Fire. Each program is independently funded and requires separate applications. The NM Forestry Division provides watershed stabilization and hazard tree mitigation, NRCS offers emergency watershed protection, and NM DHSEM provides full-service debris removal. Landowners can apply via the provided QR codes or agency websites.

The Lincoln National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Sacramento Ranger District beginning Jan. 31, through Feb. 14, 2025, depending on weather and ground conditions.

For updates and information, please visit the Lincoln National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln, the Lincoln National Forest Facebook page and https://nmfireinfo.com/

Congress has approved $2 billion for the SBA Disaster Loan Program, allowing Ruidoso residents and businesses impacted by disasters like the South Fork and Salt Fires to access low-interest loans. This funding will help over 21,000 applicants nationwide resume recovery efforts. Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits can apply online at sba.gov/disaster or in person at a Disaster or Business Recovery Center.

Lincoln National Forest will conduct a prescribed burn on the Sacramento Ranger District from Dec. 3-6, 2024, targeting 350 acres in the 16 Springs Project Area. The operation aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. Smoke may affect nearby areas, including Mayhill and Cloudcroft. Plans are weather-dependent.

The Lincoln National Forest has finalized an environmental assessment for the South Sacramento Restoration Project, which targets 140,000 acres in the Sacramento Mountains. The initiative aims to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risks, and restore wildlife habitats and watersheds. The assessment is being reviewed by the public, and an objection period will start in mid-December. Implementation will span 10–20 years.

Lincoln National Forest has lowered its fire danger rating to "low" across all districts, effective November 12, 2024. This decision follows moisture analysis and long-term weather forecasts. While fuels are less likely to ignite from small embers, intense heat sources can still start fires, especially in dry wood or grasslands. Visitors are reminded to fully extinguish campfires and stay mindful of winter weather conditions for safe travel.

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to cut your own Christmas tree, Lincoln National Forest will begin selling Christmas tree permits on November 14, 2024. The cost is $10 each plus a $2.50 processing fee with a limited number of permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of one permit per household. Online Christmas Tree Permits

The State Forestry Division is offering free hazard tree removal and erosion control assistance to landowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Eligible Lincoln County residents can apply for services, including removal of damaged trees near structures, erosion barriers, and soil stabilization measures. This effort aims to reduce future flood risks and aid watershed recovery in burn-scarred areas. Visit the Division’s website for application details.

Already applied for FEMA disaster assistance? Here’s how to stay on track: Keep your FEMA registration number handy for any follow-ups. Regularly check your application status via DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA app, or by calling (800) 621-3362. Update FEMA with any changes in contact info. If eligible, funds will be directly deposited. For questions, visit a Disaster Recovery Center (fema.gov/drc).

Residents of Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Reservation affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding between June 17 and Aug. 20, 2024, have less than five days to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline is Oct. 19 to apply for FEMA aid or SBA low-interest disaster loans. Don’t wait—apply online, by phone, or visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Horton Complex in Ruidoso.