Update: Blue Fires in White Mountain Wilderness Area - May 20, 2024

Ruidoso, NM, May 20, 2024 – Based on aerial observations, the Blue Fire has not shown any growth and remains at 0.5 acres. However, the Blue 2 Fire continues to spread at a low to moderate rate of speed and is now estimated at 45 acres. Smoke may be visible from Ruidoso, Capitan, Carrizozo, Mescalero, and highways in the area.

Current Status

• Blue Fire: 0.5 acres, no growth

• Blue 2 Fire: 45 acres, low-to-moderate spread

• Visibility: Smoke visible from Ruidoso, Capitan, Carrizozo, Mescalero, and highways

Fire Behavior and Strategy

Due to the remote location and severe terrain, the wildfire is currently unsafe for firefighters to engage directly. Fire managers are working to determine a safe perimeter for crews to contain the wildfire effectively.

In situations like the Blue 2 Fire, where a direct attack poses safety risks to responders, alternative strategies are implemented. These strategies take into account areas with a high number of dead-standing trees, which are extremely dangerous for firefighters, and remote areas where medical response and communications are limited.

Management Approach

The overall tactic for the Blue Fires is to monitor their progress while allowing them to follow their natural course as much as possible within the wilderness area. Crews will take necessary actions to keep the fire within planned and designated boundaries, protecting private land, infrastructure, and natural resources. Air and ground resources are monitoring the fires to help predict expected fire behavior and rates of spread.

Actions Taken:

• Monitoring: Continuous aerial and ground monitoring to predict fire behavior and spread rates.

• Protection: Measures in place to safeguard private land, infrastructure, and natural resources.

• Assessment: If the wildfire threatens values adjacent to the Wilderness Areas, appropriate protective actions will be taken.

Ecological Importance

The objective in managing wildfires in designated wilderness areas is to allow them to play their natural role within the ecosystem as much as possible. This approach helps restore the landscape and wildlife to more natural conditions and prevents the occurrence of more extreme fires in the future.

For more information and updates on the Blue and Blue 2 Fires, please visit the incident web link.

Stay safe and informed!