Lincoln National Forest Plans Prescribed Burns Near Ruidoso Lookout Tower
February 9, 2026 (Ruidoso, NM) — The Lincoln National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations in the Smokey Bear Ranger District, February 10 through February 13, contingent on favorable conditions and required approvals. This multi-day operation will proceed only as weather conditions allow. Prescribed fire is a critical tool used to reduce overgrown vegetation, helping protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from extreme, high-severity wildfires.
Planned prescribed pile burn treatments:
Ruidoso Tower Prescribed Pile Burn: approximately 10 acres of hand piles located around the Ruidoso Lookout Tower on the Smokey Bear Ranger District, targeting specific piles to reduce smoke and improve treatment effectiveness.
MAP: Ruidoso Lookout Tower Piles RX FY26 - 10 acres
For public safety, this area may be closed to the public for several days. Please watch for warning signs posted along roads and trails near all prescribed fire areas before and during operations. In the days following ignitions, personnel will continue mop-up operations to extinguish remaining hot spots and secure the fire perimeter, preventing rekindling.
Smoke and Safety Precautions
Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed fire in the communities of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Hondo Valley, and Alto, NM. For detailed information about air quality, visit fire.airnow.gov.
When driving through smokey areas:
Slow down!
Turn on headlights
Using hazards in areas of heavy smoke to improve visibility for other drivers.
Prior to and during implementation, we evaluate weather conditions to ensure safe and effective operations. Ignitions will only occur if conditions are favorable. If conditions are not favorable, scheduled prescribed fire activities will be postponed or canceled.
Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the Lincoln National Forest website and social media channels.
