Lincoln National Forest’s Fire Danger Dips from High to Moderate

May 19, 2016 by lbenavidez 0 Comments

ALAMOGORDO, RUIDOSO, CLOUDCROFT, CARLSBAD, NM, May 19, 2016 – For Immediate Release.  Recent rain showers over the past few weeks have resulted in temporary relief and a brief delay of the upcoming fire season. Fire officials have determined that now, with the precipitation we’ve received, current conditions reflect a MODERATE fire danger rating for the entire forest, which includes Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger Districts.  As the season progresses and hotter, drier days become more prevalent, the fire danger rating is expected to increase.

A fire danger rating of MODERATE means that fires can start from accidental causes, but the number of starts is generally low. Fires in open, cured grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Timber fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy accumulations of fuels will burn hot. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fire starts under these conditions are typically controlled quickly.

“While there are no fire restrictions in place in at this time, we do expect an increase in the number of visitors to the forest, especially with the Memorial Day weekend coming up,” said Dave Bales, Fire Staff Officer. “It’s important to remind everyone to be vigilant and ensure their campfires are completely extinguished before leaving picnic areas or campsites,” Bales added.

If you plan to visit the Lincoln National Forest, please follow these safety tips:

  • Make sure campfires are dead out!
  • Park vehicles in areas that are paved or bare – NOT in tall, dry grass.
  • If you smoke, do so in areas that clear of vegetation.
  • It’s ALWAYS illegal to possess or use fireworks on public lands.

Additional information about the Lincoln National Forest can be obtained by visiting or calling any of the offices listed below:

Smokey Bear Ranger District, 8 am – 4 pm, Mon – Fri, 901 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345

575-257-4095

Sacramento Ranger District, 8 am – 4 pm, Mon – Fri, 4 Lost Lodge Road, Cloudcroft, NM 88317

575-682-2551

Guadalupe Ranger District, 8 am – 4 pm, Mon – Fri, 5203 Buena Vista Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220

575-881-4181

Supervisor’s Office, 8 am – 4:30 pm, Mon – Fri, 3463 Las Palomas Road, Alamogordo, NM 88310

575-434-7200

Visit www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/LincolnUSForest

 

Fire Prevention, Fire Restrictions, Firewise, Forest Service, NM Fire Info, Southeast NM, Southern New Mexico, Southern NM

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