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  • Current Prescribed Fire Updates

    As prescribed fire is implemented on the Lincoln National Forest this alert page will be updated to share current conditions, planned work or postponed burns.

    Ruidoso Towers Prescribed Pile Burn - 5 acres

    September 19, 2026 - Press Release for Planned Prescribed Fires on the Lincoln National Forest

    a small pink square shows the project area on a large green polygon that represents the Smokey Bear Ranger District. This all sits ontop of a multi colored background that highlights geographical locations.

    Ruidoso Lookout Tower Pile RX location map.

    (Forest Service)

    September 21, 2026 9:15 AM - 

    The Smokey Bear Ranger District Ruidoso Tower Pile Burn had a successful test ignition this morning.
     
    Ignitions will continue on targeted piles with crews working slow and steady this afternoon. We plan on treating a bite sized piece out of the 5 acre area. This ensures we are successfully implementing prescribed fire on the Forest and within our community. Smoke will likely remain visible throughout today and into the evening.
     
    Remember, if you are driving and encounter smoke slow your vehicle, turn on your headlights, and watch for others. For more information on air quality check out https://fire.airnow.gov/.
     
    Stay informed by following our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnNationalForest 
    Image shows the Ruidoso Lookout RX with a Prescribed Fire sign in orange and small fires on the surrounding landscape with firefighters scattered about.

    The Ruidoso Tower Prescribed Pile Burn is underway after a successful test ignition on September 21, 2026. 

    (Forest Service)
    Consumed piles of debris with only ash remaining.

    Ruidoso Tower Lookout Piles fully consumed and ready for mopping up, September 21, 2026.

    (Forest Service)

    September 21, 2026 5:00 PM - 

    The Smokey Bear Ranger District has finished ignitions on the Ruidoso Tower Pile Burn, successfully reducing hazardous fuels in the remaining 5 acres around the lookout tower.
     
    Fire crews will continue to hold and secure each pile to ensure everything burns safely within its footprint. It is expected that you may still see smoke this evening, and small glows overnight. Firefighters will remain in the area over the next few days to mop up and put out any remaining heat.
     
    Stay informed by following our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnNationalForest 
     
    September 22, 2026 9:00 AM - The Ruidoso Tower Lookout Pile Burn is looking excellent this morning with limited smokes showing across the completed 5 acres. Crews will be on scene today conducting mop-up to extinguish remaining heat ahead of forecasted precipitation later today. 
     
    Stay informed by following our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnNationalForest 

    16 Springs Crooked Prescribed Pile Burn - 153 acres

    blue polygons represent the planned prescribed burn area set on a green background that highlight topographic lines and geographical locations.

    16 Springs Crooked planned prescribed burn location map. 

    (Forest Service)
    Image
    a pile of large wood burns with green grass all around and fire truck in the background

    Crooked Prescribed Pile Burn test ignition was successful and continued ignitions will be carried out throughout today September 22, 2026.

    (Forest Service)
    September 22, 2026 10:00 A.M. - The Sacramento Ranger District Crooked Prescribed Pile Burn had a successful test ignition this morning.
     
    Ignitions will continue on targeted piles with crews working slow and steady this afternoon. We plan on treating a bite sized piece out of the 153 acre area. This ensures we are successfully implementing prescribed fire on the Forest and near rural homes. Smoke will likely remain visible throughout today and into the evening. Precipitation is forecasted later in the day and may postpone operations. As conditions change we will provide further updates.  
     
    Remember, if you are driving and encounter smoke slow your vehicle, turn on your headlights, and watch for others. For more information on air quality check out https://fire.airnow.gov/.
     
    Stay informed by following our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LincolnNationalForest 
     

Alert Start Date: September 21, 2026

Alert End Date: N/A

Contact Information

Contact Name: Lincoln National Forest

Contact Number: 575-434-7200

Contact Email: SM.FSPAO.LNF@usda.gov

Last updated September 22, 2026

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