Blue 2 Fire Afternoon Update - May 29, 2024
The Blue 2 Fire, ignited by lightning on May 16, has burned 7,402 acres in the White Mountain Wilderness, approximately 8 miles north of Ruidoso. With 643 personnel on the scene, firefighters are working diligently to contain the blaze.
Northwest Side Efforts
Smokey Bear Hotshots at work securing control lines and falling hazard trees in the northwest (Div F) portion of the Blue 2 Fire. USDA Forest Service photo courtesy of PIOC Mike McMillan.
On the northwest side of the Blue 2 Fire, firefighters are actively working south from Bonito Creek Campground. They are using a combination of fireline construction on the active fire edge and indirect lighting of fire to remove unburned fuels. Additionally, crews are diligently removing hot spots along the 107D road to prevent further spread.
Soldier Mountain and Surrounding Areas
Crews are reinforcing the fireline around the Soldier Mountain spot by removing heat and holding the line. Bulldozers are pushing west to build additional contingency dozer line north of the fire from Loma Grande, with a plan to connect it to the 108. Hotshot crews and rappelers are constructing handlines directly on the edge of the fire east of Granite Knob.
East Side Operations
On the east side of the fire, near Sun Valley and Sierra Vista, crews are constructing handlines and assessing the best locations to place dozer lines along the forest boundary. Above Ski Apache, efforts continue with a feller-buncher and saws to open access to the fire area.
Smokey Bear Hotshots
The Smokey Bear Hotshots are actively securing control lines and removing hazard trees in the northwest (Division F) portion of the Blue 2 Fire. Their efforts are critical in maintaining the containment lines and ensuring firefighter safety.
Stay updated with the latest information via social media channels, the Watch Duty App, and follow the hashtags #blue2fire #fireyear2024.
For real-time updates and detailed information, visit the following official communication channels:
Fire Information Phone Number: 575-386-5077 (open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Media Phone Number: 575-386-5108 (open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Email: 2024.blue2@firenet.gov
Evacuations: Lincoln County Evacuation Information
The Village of Ruidoso remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Please follow all safety guidelines and evacuation notices.
