Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 2, 2024
Firefighters prepare for winds to test the fire line on the Blue 2 Fire, which started on May 16, 2024, due to lightning. Located 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, the fire has burned 7,457 acres and is 54% contained with 786 personnel. Strong winds up to 35 mph are expected, potentially challenging containment efforts. Crews continue mop-up and structure protection, while heavy equipment strengthens fire lines. Smoke conditions may increase due to dry, hot weather. The Lincoln National Forest remains under an emergency area closure, and evacuation levels are stable.
Public Information Map Blue 2 Fire June 2, 2024 per Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3
Acres: 7,457
Start Date: May 16, 2024
Location: 8 miles North of Ruidoso, White Mountain Wilderness Area
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 786
Fuels: Timber/Grass/Brush
Containment: 54%
Resources: 17 crews | 33 engines | 8 helicopters | 6 bulldozers | 10 Water Tenders
Highlights: Storms will continue in the surrounding areas, causing outflow winds up to 35 mph on the ridge tops to affect the fire area throughout the day. Firefighters are prepared for the weather to test the fire perimeter's containment and remaining open line. Successful work on the ground has allowed the progression of increased containment.
Operations: Yesterday, Solider Mountain was fully contained, and firefighters will remain in the area to ensure that the fireline holds. Ground crews focused on mop-up efforts, using water and hand tools to be able to work on the uncontained line. Structure protection is ongoing, and pumps are continually tested to ensure that they are fully operational if needed. Heavy equipment is working on the completion of the contingency line towards Buck Mountain. The night shift will continue to patrol around communities and monitor for any new sources of heat. Today, ground crews will stay vigilant in anticipation of forecasted winds where hotspots or spotting could test the fire perimeter. Engines will be near Bonito Lake mopping up and providing structure protection to values at risk. Crews are removing slash from fire lines and heavy equipment is being used to the west of Angus and the Enchanted Forest communities to ensure that the lines hold.
Weather: Due to the thunderstorm formation in the surrounding areas, the fire area will experience winds that will test the fire perimeter with stronger winds coming from different directions than have been experienced during previous days. As the storms exit to the east, they will give way to dry and hot weather for the next several days.
Smoke: As warm and dry conditions are experienced there is potential for more smoke. However, barring any significant fire growth, only periods of light smoke should be seen around Bonito and Capitan. View an interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/
Closures: The Lincoln National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Blue 2 Fire. The closure order (No.03-08-24-0001) and map are available on Inciweb and the Lincoln National Forest website.
Evacuations: Evacuation levels remain unchanged and weather will determine the status of evacuations as managers assess current conditions. For an interactive evacuation map go to tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs
Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. Find the TFR at tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/
June 2, 2024, Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Map per Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. Find the TFR at tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/
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Important Links
Fire Restrictions: Lincoln National Forest Alerts
Smoke Outlook: Smoke Forecast
Forest Closures: Lincoln National Forest Alerts
Road Closures: New Mexico Roads
Evacuations: Call (575) 336-8600 or visit Lincoln County Evacuations
Ready, Set, Go Status: New Mexico Ready, Set, Go
Related Information
June 1 Blue 2 Daily Update .pdf (317.28 KB)
Stay informed and stay safe.
For the latest evacuation information, please visit the Lincoln County website.
For information on Ready, Set, Go Status definitions, visit the New Mexico Fire Prevention Programs page.
The Village of Ruidoso is committed to keeping the community informed and safe during this challenging time. Please stay tuned for further updates and adhere to all safety guidelines and evacuation notices.
Blue Fire Information
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3
Fire Information Phone Number: (575) 386-5077
Media Phone Number: (575) 386-5108
Fire Information: www.linktr.ee/BlueFire.2024
