Fire Danger Rating: Moderate. It is VERY dry and many people have tall grass/weeds in yards from the rains this Summer. Protect your home and other's homes by chopping down those tall, dry grasses!

Fire Restrictions: There are no fire restrictions on the Lincoln National Forest at this time.

View maps and information for Forest Orders, Closures, Fire Restrictions, Large Active Fires.

Current Fire Danger Rating

Smokey Bear Ranger District: Moderate

Sacramento Ranger District: Moderate

Guadalupe Ranger District: Moderate

Wildfires on the Lincoln National Forest

Cathey Vista 4 Fire, Sacramento Ranger DistrictCathey Vista 4 Fire Update

NOVEMBER 23, 2021 BY LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST 0 COMMENTS

Location: Near Cathy Vista and Cathey Canyon Trail (T105A) on the Sacramento Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest

Size: 0.75 acres

Cause: Unknown

Update: Firefighters have stopped forward progress of the Cathey Vista 4 Fire, previously called the Cathy Vista Fire. The fire is burning in dead and down woody debris and is causing dead, but still standing trees, commonly known as snag trees, to fall. Crews will continue to work tonight and tomorrow to construct control lines around the perimeter of the fire. Cathey Vista and the Cathey Canyon Trailhead will be closed to the public while firefighters work in the area. Smoke will be visible along the Sunspot Highway.

Final Update: Cathey Vista 4 Fire Update 11/24/21

NOVEMBER 24, 2021 BY LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST 0 COMMENTS

This will be the last post of the Cathey Vista 4 Fire unless there is a significant change.

Size: 0.75 acres

Cause: Human

Update: Firefighters were able to built fire line around the perimeter of the 0.75-acres fire. The fire received light precipitation this morning. Crews will continue to monitor the fire over the coming days. Cathey Vista and the Cathey Canyon Trailhead continue to be closed for public safety and to allow for firefighters to work in the area.

POSTPONED: Lincoln National Forest, Prescribed Burn Planned in the 16 Springs Area, Sacramento Ranger District

NOVEMBER 30, 2021 BY LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST 0 COMMENTS

UPDATE: 11/30/2021 – The 16 Springs Prescribed Burn has been postponed.

CLOUDCROFT, NM – 11/29/20: The Sacramento Ranger District plans to begin prescribed burning in the 16 Springs area approximately 3 miles north of Mayhill, NM beginning the last week in November and continuing throughout the winter and spring as conditions allow. Smoke from the prescribed burn is expected to travel northeast towards Roswell but may impact nearby homes.

Why We Prescribe Burn

A healthy forest is a resilient forest that undergoes fire regularly, just as it has for thousands of years.

“We are centered on long-term forest health, which includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape,” said Fire Management Officer Caleb Finch.

This past summer, the country saw the devastating effects of intense wildfires. Thousands of acres burned, and poor air quality permeated much of the western United States on and off. Prescribed fire is used to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic wildfires that can pose significant threats to public health and safety.

How are Prescribed Burns Conducted

Before beginning a prescribed fire, fire managers evaluate local weather patterns, temperatures, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, fuel moistures, and smoke ventilation. Daily ignitions will only occur when environmental factors align with the required prescription that will achieve desired results and meet land management objectives. Prescribed fires are conducted in a controlled environment with experienced fire managers on-site carefully implementing the ignition and holding functions on the fire.

Air Quality: Prescribed Fires vs. Wildfires

Officials recognize that impacts to air quality during a prescribed burn may be unpleasant at times. However, prescribed burns significantly reduce the amount and duration of smoke more effectively than in an uncontrolled wildfire situation. Additionally, fire managers will actively monitor atmospheric conditions daily and use strategies to minimize smoke impacts to rural developed areas.

Safety

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities may be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.