Travel Tips

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

Lincoln National Forest

Updated April 6,2011

Fire Danger on the Forest is High

Fire Restrictions: Stage II

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 (3^rd Level)—Stage II Restrictions PLUS

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

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

• Full forest closures (as detailed in the Closure Order)

For More Information Lincoln National Forest

Southwest Coordination Center

Village of Ruidoso

Updated April 6, 2011

Fire Restrictions: Level II

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

Fire Restrictions: None/Level II

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.

For More Information: City of Ruidoso Downs Fire Information (pdf)