Final Update for Sago Fire

April 2, 2026 by jenniferolson87 0 Comments

Press Release – April 2, 2026

Crews Continue Repair Work While Incident Command Team Plans Transfer of Sago Fire

Acres: 282

Start Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026

Location: 19 Miles E of Mescalero, NM

Personnel: 73 personnel

Containment: 75%

Cause: Under investigation

Summary: Containment increased to 75% as crews continued to make progress on the Sago Fire yesterday.

Today, crews will work to increase containment, extinguishing any remaining hot areas, which primarily consist of smoldering stump holes. Repair work is ongoing along the fire’s perimeter.

Excess resources will be released today. Remaining resources assigned to the Sago Fire include three engines, one handcrew, and an excavator.

Tomorrow, April 3, the Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team will transfer command of the Sago Fire to a BIA, Mescalero Agency Type 4 IC at 0700. The local incident command will work through the weekend to finish repair work and patrol the fire. This is the final Sago Fire update from the team.

Incident Commander Marcus Cornwell said, “It’s been a privilege to assist the Mescalero Reservation and Bureau of Indian Affairs with the suppression of this early season fire. The local community, from Mescalero to Ruidoso, has been very supportive in helping us meet the logistical needs of the firefighters. Thank you.”

Weather: Sun is forecasted today, and temperatures will reach 70 degrees. With West winds between 8 and 13 m.p.h. may gust to 30 m.p.h. Overnight lows will dip into the low 40s. Friday temperatures are similar, but a cold front will move in by Saturday.

Safety: Members of the public should avoid Sago Canyon Road and Turkey Canyon Road to ensure firefighter safety.

Fire Restrictions:

Class III High Fire Danger Restrictions are in effect on the Mescalero Reservation. This means campfires are permissible only within the designated camp areas of Silver Lake. Smoking outdoors is permitted when extinguished in a proper container. Fireworks of any kind are never permitted during High Fire Danger. There are no restrictions on the use of charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves. Dwellings with fireplaces or wood burning stoves shall have proper screens installed to prevent the escape of burning embers. Chainsaws and other internal or external combustion engines must always be equipped with a properly functioning spark arrestor. Precautionary measures and required fire equipment are in effect for all forest-related contract work and will be implemented by contract administrators. Be cautious while driving in the forest and through tall grass.
The Village of Ruidoso is observing Level 1 fire restrictions as detailed at ruidoso-nm.gov/fire-restrictions.
The Lincoln National Forest is also in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Read the forest order at fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/alerts/order-03-08-26-001-stage-1-fire-restrictions.
The Bureau of Land Management imposed fire restrictions on public land in Lincoln County too. Details are available at blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-01/fire-prevention-order-blm-nm-910-2026-01.pdf.

Smoke: For real-time smoke conditions, visit fire.airnow.gov.