Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 3, 2024
The Blue 2 Fire, located 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, started on May 16, 2024, and has burned 7,495 acres with 59% containment. Evacuation levels have been reduced after efforts from local authorities and fire managers. Fire personnel and equipment remain in the area for continued monitoring and mop-up operations. The Red Cross shelter in Capitan will close, and the Emergency Operations Center will reduce its hours. High temperatures and low humidity persist, though significant fire activity has not increased. Smoke is expected to be minimal. Camping and recreation in the Bonito Lake Area are still restricted. The fire was caused by lightning and is being managed by 570 personnel with various resources.
DETAILS
Acres: 7,495
Start Date: May 16, 2024
Location: 8 miles North of Ruidoso, White Mountain Wilderness Area
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 570
Fuels: Timber/Grass/Brush
Containment: 59%
Resources: 10 crews | 22 engines | 8 helicopters | 3 bulldozers | 7 Water Tenders
Highlights: After a coordinated effort between Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Services and fire managers, evacuation levels have decreased. Firefighting equipment and personnel will still be working in these areas. For the safety of the public and firefighters, be safe and use caution while driving throughout the area. The previously evacuated neighborhoods are restricted to resident access and fire personnel. With the reduction of evacuations, the Emergency Operations Center will reduce hours of operation from 7 am to 7 pm and the Red Cross shelter in Capitan will close today at noon due to the reduction.
Operations: Yesterday, fire crews monitored the fire to spot potential and new sources of heat due to the weather conditions. Mop-up continued around the fire to increase containment along the perimeter. Structure protection crews were in the surrounding neighborhoods patrolling and maintaining structure protection equipment. Infrared drones detected minimal heat near the perimeter and interior of the fire. Today, pumps and sprinklers that have been in the neighborhoods will start to be cleared. Mopping up and monitoring the fire will continue through the upcoming days.
Weather: Yesterday was a near critical fire day with warm and windy conditions. The winds contributed to reduced humidity and drying out the fine fuels. No significant fire activity was experienced despite the weather.
High temperatures and low humidity will continue throughout Wednesday.
Smoke: Barring any significant fire growth, we should only see periods of light smoke, particularly around Bonito and Capitan. Today will be the last smoke outlook produced for the Blue 2 Fire. The interactive smoke map can still be found at fire.airnow.gov/
Closures: In the interest of public safety, camping and other recreation activities in the Bonito Lake Area are still restricted due to ongoing firefighting activities. The Forest Closure Order will continue to remain in effect for the White Mountain Wilderness Area.
Evacuations: The Village of Capitan, Enchanted Forest, and Alto communities are no longer in the “Ready” status. The Cora Dutton, Ranchman’s Camp, Sun Valley, and Sierra Vista communities are now in a “Ready” status. The Villa Madonna, Bonito Lake, Loma Grande, and Nogal Canyon communities are now in a “Set” status, and all “Go” Evacuation notices have been lifted. 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 3, 2024, Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Map per Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3
Original post here
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 3 Blue 2 Fire Daily Update .pdf (343.13 KB)
June 3 Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Map.pdf (11.16 MB)
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
