Prescribed Burns Planned for Smokey Bear Ranger District for December 2024 and January 2025

The Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest plans to conduct prescribed pile burns in the Little Eagle Project Area, weather permitting, through December 2024 and January 2025.

The project will target approximately 150 acres in the Little Eagle Pile Unit, west of Alto and northwest of Ruidoso. The burns aim to reduce fuel buildup and mitigate wildfire risk.

The exact ignition dates will depend on weather conditions and approval from agency administrators. Notifications and updates will be sent out to the public once conditions are met and dates are determined.

During these projects, smoke may be visible from nearby communities, including Capitan, Nogal, Carrizozo, and Ruidoso.

Project Area Map, Prescribed Burn, Smokey Bear District, Dec. 2024/Jan. 2025

Burns part of overall forest management strategy for Lincoln National Forest

Prescribed fire and pile burns are valuable tools for forest management. By conducting prescribed fires and pile burns, the Forest Service can reduce the risk of large, destructive wildfires, improve forest health, and promote the growth of fire-adapted species.

Project updates will be provided via the Lincoln National Forest Facebook page, X account, and InciWeb.

Document(s): 12_05_24_USFS Prescribed Fire Notice_Little Eagle.pdf