Firewise

Fire danger on the Lincoln National Forest and the surrounding communities of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Mescalero is always a concern. Human-caused fires pose the greatest risk to the community and we count on you to help protect us from a wildfire.

Please use caution with fire and remember if you build a campfire, be sure it is DEAD OUT before you leave it unattended. If you smoke, do so in an area without vegetation or within your vehicle. As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forest lands and approved spark arresters are mandatory on all internal combustion engines. A green tree will burn.

DO YOUR PART, DON’T LET A WILDFIRE START.

Fire Restrictions
firewi2 Travel Tips Lincoln National Forest

Current Fire Danger on the Forest is Low

Current Fire Restrictions: Stage I

Stage I (1st Level)

No smoking outside of vehicles, or buildings
No open campfires outside of developed sites
No fireworks

Stage II (2nd Level ) Stage I Restrictions PLUS

Prohibitions for explosives, chainsaw or other internal combustion engines, welding
Prohibition for using a motor vehicle off forest development roads
Further restrictive use of campfires

Stage III (3rd Level)—Stage II Restrictions PLUS

The closure of specific areas of the Forest (as detailed in the Closure Order)

Stage IV (4th Level)—Stage III Restrictions PLUS

Full forest closures (as detailed in the Closure Order)

For More Information Lincoln National Forest

Southwest Coordination Center
firewi1 Travel Tips

Village of Ruidoso

Fire Restrictions: Level I

Level I

Commercial fire pits approved for use
Outdoor cooking approved on all types of appliances, including charcoal
Non-commercial fire pits, campfires and/or fireworks are not allowed within the Village of Ruidoso (unless specifically permitted by Fire Marshal.)

Level II

No Charcoal briquettes or commercial fire pits to be used any public or private property
UL/FM approved gas grills shall be allowed
No outside smoking on public or private property (unless in areas specifically permitted by the Fire Marshal.)
Smoking allowed within closed vehicles or indoors only
Campfires and fireworks are not to be permitted

Level III

No open flame or fire of any kind permitted at any time
No smoking outside a structure
No cooking with any type appliance
No burning, etc.
Welding operations may be permitted by the Fire Marshal

Citations will be issued – No exceptions – No warnings

For More Information: Village of Ruidoso Fire Department

firewi3 Travel Tips

Ruidoso Downs

Fire Restrictions: None/Level I

Level I — Classes I, II, III — Fire Danger Normal

No open fire
No fireworks

Level II — Class IV — Fire Danger Very High

No charcoal or wood burning briquettes on any public or private property
UL/FM approved gas grills shall be allowed
No outside smoking on public or private property
Smoking must occur within closed vehicles or indoors
No open fire
No fireworks

Level III – Class V – Fire Danger Extreme

No open flame or fire of any kind
All forms of fire are prohibited

Citations will be issues—No exceptions—No warnings.