East Mountain Fire burning in the Capitan Mountains is 50% contained
Jessica OnsurezA wildfire burning on the south side of the Capitan Mountains was 50 percent contained by Friday morning.
The East Mountain Fire had consumed 5.7 acres of land near Bills Canyon, the U.S. Forest Service announced.
Officials suspected the fire was ignited by lightning; it was reported June 2.
"Crews will continue to monitor the fire throughout the weekend and reinforce the fire line surrounding the fire if needed," a Friday updated from the Forest Service read.
The fire was consuming Pinyon and Juniper as well as dead and downed logs in the area.
Smoke was reported visible from nearby ares including U.S. Highway 220.
The fire was originally believed to be inside the National Forest boundary, but threatened only private land, officials said.
MORE:East Mountain Fire consumes 3 acres near Ruidoso
On Thursday, firefighters worked to reinforce the fire line around the blaze. An engine, helicopter and about 10 fire personnel were assigned the fire.
There were no reported injuries due to the fire, and no structures were lost, according to the Forest Service.
Fire restrictions in place
The Lincoln National Forest opened to the public for recreational use May 16.
Fire restrictions remained in effect inside the Lincoln National Forest, officials said. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire is prohibited.
Anyone caught in violation of the fire restrictions may receive fines and be required to appear in federal court. In some cases, jail time may result.
Those visiting the Lincoln National Forest may still use stoves, grills or lanterns. Use of those items should be done at least three feet from flammable materials.
MORE:Lincoln National Forest fire rating raised to high
The Lincoln National Forest covers 1.1 million acres that attract about 767,000 visitors annually to enjoy hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, wilderness area, and scenic driving in three ranger districts, the Smokey Bear, the Saramento and the Guadalupe.
Most campgrounds and day-use picnic areas in the Sacramento around the town of Cloudcroft and Smokey Bear around the village of Ruidoso are open from mid-spring through mid-fall and are closed in winter.
Many campsites in developed campgrounds on the two districts in the Sacramento Mountains are available on a first come-first served basis, but some can be reserved in advance. Visitors to the national forest can go online to the www.Recreation.gov, select the name of the facility or call the reservation service at 1-877-444-6777.
The cost to camp at an established campground site varies between $6 and $22 per single camp unit. Large group picnic and campsites also are available. The largest group campsite, Upper Fir Group Campground, can accommodate up to 120 people. The largest group picnic site, Cedar Creek Picnic Area, can accommodate 40 people. Fees for these sites vary depending on the number of people.
Campgrounds
Smokey Bear Ranger District
- Baca Campground, a no-fee area, is open year around
- Cedar Creek Camoground is open year around
- Oak Grove Campground is open May 15-October (weather dependent)
- Skyline Campground is open year around
- Sam Tobias Memorial Group Campground is open May 15-October (weather dependent)
- Three Rivers Campground, a no-fee area, is open year-round
Sacramento Ranger District
- Aspen Campground, open May 17-Sept. 3
- Apache Campground, open May 17-Sept. 3
- Black Bear Group Campground, open May 17- Sept. 3
- Deerhead Campground, open April 19-Oct. 15
- James Canyon Campground, a no fee area, open year round
- La Pasada Encantada Trail, a no fee area, is open May 17- Sept. 3
- Lower Fir Group Campground is open May 17- Oct. 1
- Pines Campground is open May 17-Sept. 3
- Saddle Campground, May 17-Sept. 3
- Silver and Silver Overflow Campground open April 19-Oct. 15
- Silver Amphitheater, open May 17-Sept. 3
- Sleepy Grass Campground, open May 17-Sept. 3
- Sleepy Grass Family Picnic Area, a no fee area, is open May 17-Sept. 3
- Slide Group Campground, open May 17-Oct. 1
- Upper Fir Group Campground, open May 17-Oct. 1
- Upper Karr Recreation Area, a no fee area, open year-round
Jessica Onsurez can be reached at jonsurez@currentargus.com, @JussGREAT on Twitter at by phone at 575-628-5531.