Crucial Updates for Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Levels - June 2, 2024
Starting at 4:00 PM on June 2, 2024, significant changes in evacuation levels will take effect for the Blue 2 Fire. While the “Ready, Set, Go!” evacuation alerts are adjusting, it remains crucial for citizens and visitors in these areas to stay informed about the ongoing fire situation and make the best decisions for their safety. If you feel unsafe at any moment, you have the ability and power to self-evacuate.
After a coordinated effort between the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southwest Incident Management Team 3, the following changes have been made:
The Village of Capitan, Enchanted Forest, and Alto communities are no longer in the “Ready” status.
Cora Dutton, Ranchman’s Camp, Sun Valley, and Sierra Vista communities are now in a “Ready” status.
Villa Madonna, Bonito Lake, Loma Grande, and Nogal Canyon communities are now in a “Set” status.
All “Go” evacuation notices have been lifted.
Firefighting equipment and personnel are still active in these areas, so please slow down and use caution. For public safety, camping and other recreational activities in the Bonito Lake Area remain restricted due to ongoing firefighting efforts. The United States Forest Closure Order will continue to be in effect from the White Mountain Wilderness Area until August 23, 2024.
Stay Informed and Safe
Citizens and visitors should be aware of the evacuation levels and follow the advice of emergency officials. If you are not already signed up for local emergency alerts, do so now! Text “LINCOLNNMALERTS” to 99411 for Lincoln County Alerts, and “ALERTRUIDOSO” to 38276 for Village of Ruidoso Alerts.
Safety Checks Upon Returning Home
Once home, perform these safety checks:
Look for hot spots, smoldering areas, and vegetation on your property.
Inspect the roof and outer parts of your house for any sparks or embers.
Search the attic and all rooms for hidden sparks or embers.
Examine your home for fire damage. Ensure all appliances are off and the main circuit breakers are safe to turn on.
Check your water supply system, such as wells or pump houses, to ensure they work.
For more information about returning home after a wildfire, visit www.afterwildfirenm.org.
Prepare for Monsoon Season
As we know all too well here in Lincoln County, wildfires impact our watershed. With monsoon season on the horizon, the time to prepare for flash flooding and debris flows is now. Have an evacuation plan, restock your emergency kit, and stay weather-aware by following trusted forecasts like the National Weather Service Albuquerque Forecast Office at www.weather.gov/abq. Typically, standard insurance does not cover flooding, so individuals and businesses downstream of the Blue 2 Fire need to reassess their flood risk and visit www.floodsmart.gov.
In a proactive effort, Lincoln County OES will conduct sandbagging operations in the coming weeks to help the public prepare for monsoon season.
Emotional Support
Re-entering your home after a wildfire can be an emotional experience filled with uncertainty. If you need someone to talk to, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 to speak with a trained counselor.
Stay Updated
Monitor Lincoln County Fire Service's and Blue 2 Fire Information's Facebook pages for additional updates, and visit www.tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs for an interactive evacuation map.
Lincoln County, New Mexico Office of Emergency Services Office: 575-336-8600
Source: Inciweb Blue 2 Fire
