Lincoln National Forest officials remain cautious despite change in fire designation
Rangers in the Lincoln National Forest continue monitoring for abandoned campfires and other fire hazards as stage one fire restrictions were lifted July 12.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Lincoln National Forest Spokesperson Amanda Fry said the stage one fire restrictions were put in place June 28 due to high fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions.
She said the restrictions prohibited visitors from burning fires outside permanent fire ratings or barbeque pits on designated campsites or smoking outside designated areas.
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High fire danger ratings in the Lincoln National Forest means fire has the potential to start from human negligence and small fuels like grass and pine needles, read a Lincoln National Forest press release.
Fry said a high fire danger rating is not a restriction.
“It does let visitors know to use extra caution when visiting. Conditions are very hot and dry, so it is important to use good safety practices. Ensure your campfire is completely doused and cool to the touch before you leave. Be mindful of where you are driving, as grass fires from engine heat and sparks are also a consideration at this time,” she said.
Fry said visitors to the Smokey Bear, Lincoln and Guadalupe Ranger Districts were mindful of campsites and no abandoned campfires or other fires were reported during the stage one restrictions.
In addition to monitoring for fire hazards, forest officials check weather and moisture conditions to see if fire danger ratings need to be increased or restrictions need to be implemented.
“Conditions can change quickly, and we are always ready to increase ratings and implement restrictions if they are necessary,” Fry said.
More: Lincoln National Forest lifts restrictions and changes fire danger rating
Fire danger remained high in the Lincoln National Forest as of July 18, according to the forest’s website.
Fire Restrictions in place at New Mexico State Parks
New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (ENMRD) State Forestry Division Spokesperson George Ducker said there are no state-wide fire restrictions as counties across New Mexico can implement their own fire restrictions at any time.
He said the current hot and dry conditions have some state parks under fire restrictions.
“State Parks can implement fire restrictions at their discretion at any time,” Ducker said.
He said people can get more information on fire restrictions by visiting the ENMRD website.
Relief coming for Lincoln National Forest?
Temperatures in the Ruidoso and Cloudcroft areas of the were forecast to range from the 80’s to mid 90’s through Monday, read forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque and El Paso.
Rain chances were forecast for both areas through Monday, according to the NWS.
More: Lincoln National Forest updates fire danger to very high for 4th of July
Highs around 100 were forecast through Monday for the Guadalupe Ranger District of Eddy County through Monday, noted the NWS in Midland, Texas.
Slight rain chances were forecast for Saturday night and Sunday, read the NWS forecast for the mountain areas of Eddy County.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Fire danger remains high in Lincoln National Forest from dry conditions
