The Lincoln National Forest raised its fire danger rating to 'moderate' on December 19, 2024, following assessments of moisture levels and weather forecasts. Moderate fire danger means fires can start from most accidental causes, spreading quickly in dry grasslands on windy days. Visitors are urged to fully extinguish campfires, prepare for winter weather, and prioritize fire safety.

The Lincoln National Forest has finalized an environmental assessment for the South Sacramento Restoration Project, which targets 140,000 acres in the Sacramento Mountains. The initiative aims to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risks, and restore wildlife habitats and watersheds. The assessment is being reviewed by the public, and an objection period will start in mid-December. Implementation will span 10–20 years.

Lincoln National Forest has lowered its fire danger rating to "low" across all districts, effective November 12, 2024. This decision follows moisture analysis and long-term weather forecasts. While fuels are less likely to ignite from small embers, intense heat sources can still start fires, especially in dry wood or grasslands. Visitors are reminded to fully extinguish campfires and stay mindful of winter weather conditions for safe travel.

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to cut your own Christmas tree, Lincoln National Forest will begin selling Christmas tree permits on November 14, 2024. The cost is $10 each plus a $2.50 processing fee with a limited number of permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of one permit per household. Online Christmas Tree Permits

Lincoln National Forest has increased its fire danger rating from “low” to “moderate” as of October 9, 2024. While fires can start easily from most causes, their spread in grasslands may be rapid, particularly on windy days. Visitors are urged to practice caution when using campfires. Fireworks remain prohibited. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln.

Lincoln National Forest is planning a prescribed fire schedule for the fall season from October – December 2024. These plans are part of the long-term land management and wildfire mitigation strategy for the forest.

Lincoln National Forest will host a free public tree planting event at the Trestle Recreation Area on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A mandatory training brief for volunteers will take place from 9-10 a.m.

Lincoln National Forest has lowered the fire danger rating to 'low' on all districts due to improved conditions, lifting most fire restrictions. Some closures remain on the Smokey Bear Ranger District after the South Fork Fire. With Labor Day approaching, practice fire safety and be aware of flash floods near burn scars. Offices will close on September 2 for Labor Day.

The U.S. Forest Service has issued an Area Closure Order for parts of the Smokey Bear Ranger District in Lincoln National Forest, effective July 29 to November 1, 2024, due to public health and safety concerns from recent wildfires and potential flooding. The order prohibits public access to specified lands, roads, and trails. Exemptions apply to certain permit holders and officials. For details, visit Lincoln National Forest Alerts.

The Blue 2 Fire, 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, has burned 7,532 acres since May 16, 2024, and is now 91% contained. Caused by lightning, the fire's uncontained perimeter has been assessed and found not holding heat. Repair work continues, and moderate burn severity affects 8% of the area. Road closures and restrictions remain, with limited smoke expected throughout the summer. All evacuation orders have been lifted.

The Pecos Zone Type 3 team assumed command of the Blue 2 Fire at 6 PM yesterday. Repairs are near completion, with containment line work progressing. No heat has been detected for five days north of Buck Mountain. Minimal smoke is affecting the area. Bonito Lake Area remains closed for safety. All evacuations have been lifted. Thunderstorms may bring dry lightning and gusty winds. An interactive map is at tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Terry Hardy and Edgar Martinez, is assessing the Blue 2 Fire's impact in Ruidoso, NM. The team evaluates post-fire risks like flooding and debris flow, focusing on human safety and natural resources. Specialists from various fields create a Soil Burn Severity map and recommend emergency stabilization measures. More info is available on the Blue 2 Fire Postfire BAER InciWeb page.

The Blue 2 Fire, caused by lightning, has burned 7,532 acres since May 16 and is 87% contained. 273 personnel are working on suppression repairs, with most lines repaired. Drones and firefighters patrol uncontained areas. Increased moisture expected, but dry lightning and winds are possible. Minimal smoke, good air quality. Forest closures remain; all evacuations lifted.

An online community meeting is set for tonight at 7:30 pm on the Blue 2 Fire Facebook page. The fire, started by lightning on May 16, has burned 7,532 acres near Ruidoso, with 318 personnel and 83% containment. Efforts include land repair and erosion control. Improved weather conditions help, and all evacuations are lifted, but forest closures remain for safety.

As of June 5, 2024, the fire has burned 7,532 acres since May 16, 2024, 8 miles north of Ruidoso in White Mountain Wilderness Area. Caused by lightning, it is now 77% contained, with 399 personnel working. Efforts include repairing dozer lines, installing erosion control, and reseeding fire lines. Minimal smoke is produced, with potential storms expected. Public safety closures remain in effect. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for June 6 at 7:30 pm on the Blue 2 Fire Facebook page.

The Blue 2 Fire, located 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, started on May 16, 2024, and has burned 7,495 acres with 69% containment. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is arriving today and will begin their assessment for emergency soil stabilization. Containment is progressively increasing with firefighters working hard at mopping up the remaining uncontained areas of the fire perimeter. Due to ongoing firefighting activities, camping and other recreation activities in the Bonito Lake Area are still restricted in the interest of public safety. The fire was caused by lightning and is being managed by 489 personnel with various resources.

The Blue 2 Fire, 8 miles north of Ruidoso, started on May 16, 2024, and has burned 7,495 acres with 59% containment. Evacuations are reduced due to efforts by local authorities. Fire personnel remain for monitoring and mop-up. The Red Cross shelter in Capitan will close, and the Emergency Operations Center will reduce hours. High temperatures and low humidity persist, but significant fire activity hasn't increased. Camping in Bonito Lake Area remains restricted.

Firefighters prepare for winds to test the fire line on the Blue 2 Fire, which started on May 16, 2024, due to lightning. Located 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, the fire has burned 7,457 acres and is 54% contained with 786 personnel. Strong winds up to 35 mph are expected, potentially challenging containment efforts. Crews continue mop-up and structure protection while heavy equipment strengthens fire lines. Smoke conditions may increase due to dry, hot weather. The Lincoln National Forest remains under an emergency area closure, and evacuation levels are stable.

Firefighters are progressing on the 7,457-acre Blue 2 Fire, which started May 16, 2024, 8 miles north of Ruidoso. Currently, 14% contained, crews have focused on mopping up and securing lines around Soldier Mountain and Granite Knob. With 802 personnel and numerous resources, they are preparing for hotter, drier conditions. Lincoln National Forest remains under emergency closure, and evacuation levels are unchanged.

The Blue 2 Fire, started by lightning on May 16, 2024, has burned 7,455 acres with 0% containment. Located in the White Mountain Wilderness near Ruidoso, the fire is being fought by 699 personnel using various resources. Firefighters are improving firelines and structure protection despite challenging weather conditions with strong winds and hot temperatures. For updates, call 575-386-5077 or visit the provided online resources.