Lincoln National Forest enters ‘very high’ fire danger rating, implements Stage 2 Restrictions

Fire danger rating and restrictions will apply to all three districts of the Forest.

Closure Order Map per Lincoln National Forest May 30, 2024

Lincoln National Forest officials have increased the fire danger rating to ‘very high’ and will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Thursday, May 30 at 8 a.m. due to increased fire danger across the forest. The fire danger rating and restrictions will apply to all three districts.

Under a “very high” fire danger rating, fires can start easily from most causes. They may spread rapidly and quickly increase in intensity immediately after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme behavior, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires.

The Stage 2 restrictions are enforceable by law and will remain in effect until Forest Service officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts when visiting the Lincoln National Forest:

AT ALL TIMES:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes, anywhere within Lincoln National Forest, including Developed Recreation Sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.

2. Smoking outside (see Exemptions #4 below).

3. Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

FROM 9 AM to 6 PM:

1. Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. (See Exemptions #3 below)

EXEMPTIONS DURING STAGE 2:

1. Residents using motorized vehicles on the Forest Roads listed under motorized restriction to the extent necessary to access their private property.

2. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

3. Using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.

4. Smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a Developed Recreation Site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

5. Persons operating generators with an approved spark-arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.

6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty. Violation of fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

For more information regarding the fire restrictions closure order, shooting restrictions and an accompanying map, see Alerts & Closures.

The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across New Mexico on the New Mexico Fire Information website’s fire restrictions webpage.