BIA- Forestry & Wildland Fire- Mescalero Agency

01/29/2026

🚫ATTENTION: The pack test and RT-130 scheduled for 1/30/26 are CANCELLED🚫

12/30/2025

Are you ready for the 2026 fire season? 🔥We thought so!
Below is our 2026 pack test and RT-130 schedule. If you have specific questions or just want more info, call our office at 575-464-4419. See you soon! 🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️

10/01/2025

Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated.

For more information, please visit:

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

07/17/2024

South Fork Wildfire Investigation Report In Development

Mescalero, New Mexico – The South Fork Fire was determined to be caused by lightning sometime prior to the fire’s detection on June 17, 2024. Certified Wildland fire and law enforcement investigators continue their thorough investigation and will release a complete investigation report when it is available. https://ow.ly/3Fnm50SEr0V

07/03/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 3, 2024
Contact: 986-200-1941

South Fork Fire in New Mexico
Caused by Lightning Strike

Mescalero, New Mexico – Wildland fire and law enforcement investigators completed the investigation into the cause of the South Fork Fire. The identification of the point of origin and all evidence and data support lightning as the cause of the fire.
Human activity and factors did not contribute to the cause.

The investigation was conducted by wildland fire investigators and law enforcement officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Bureau of Land Management, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Mescalero Conservation Law Enforcement Department, Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives, New Mexico State Parks, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The fire was reported June 17th, burning on the Mescalero Apache Reservation near the community of Ruidoso on Tribal trust land administered by the BIA Mescalero Agency. Despite an aggressive response by multiple agencies, high wind spread the fire to over 15,000 acres within the first 24 hours. As of July 3, the fire is 17,569 acres and 87 percent contained.

The cause of the nearby Salt Fire remains under investigation. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for starting the Salt Fire. Anyone who may have information pertaining to its cause is encouraged to either call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or text a detailed anonymous tip to “BIAMMU” (mobile number 847411). Tips may also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.

02/15/2023

***Canceled due to weather ***
PACK TEST & FIRE REFRESHER scheduled for Friday Feb. 17 is CANCELED

12/12/2022

11/02/2022

2023 Packtest and Training Schedule.

11/01/2022

Becareful When Disposing of Your Woodstove Ashes. A Pile of Ashes Can Smolder for Days.

08/13/2022

08/10/2022

🥳Join us as we celebrate Smokey Bear's birthday and 78 years of Fire Prevention!

When: August 9th 10 AM to 1 PM
Where: Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, Meridian Idaho (Shelter A-1)

USFS and partners will be there to educate the community with activities including: a fire safety course, interactive games, giveaways and more! Firefighter crews from departments throughout the Valley will also be at this event!

Come wish Smokey Bear happy birthday and meet some of the crews keeping public lands safe from wildland fire. See you there!

Smokey Bear Poster by Tracie Ching

07/20/2022

Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation Fire Restrictions

Now at Moderate Fire Danger.