Lincoln National Forest’s Fire Danger lessens to MODERATE

ALAMOGORDO, RUIDOSO, CLOUDCROFT, CARLSBAD, NM – Recent pulses of rain showers over the general area, combined with a weather forecast calling for isolated showers and thunderstorms contributed to the current conditions that best describe the Lincoln National Forest at the MODERATE Fire Danger rating. Effective Friday morning, all Forest-wide fire danger rating signs will display the MODERATE adjective.  The MODERATE fire danger rating applies to the entire forest, which includes Smokey Bear, Sacramento and Guadalupe Ranger Districts.

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.

“There are no fire restrictions in place at this time on the Lincoln National Forest. Although the risk appears to lessen as rain showers are more prevalent, there is still a potential for unwanted, human-caused wildfires,” said Ryan Whiteaker, Fire Staff Officer. “Please continue to practice vigilance. Ensure campfires are dead out!” Whiteaker 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