Updated Status Report of Blue and Blue 2 Fires in White Mountain Wilderness Area - May 19, 2024

On May 17, 2024, two lightning-caused fires, named the Blue Fire and Blue 2 Fire, were detected in the White Mountain Wilderness within the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest. This update follows the earlier article posted today regarding these fires' initial detection and ongoing monitoring.

Current Status

• Acres: 10 acres

• Containment: 0%

• Location: White Mountain Wilderness Area

• Cause: Lightning

• Fuels: Dead and down/dead standing trees

Fire Behavior and Strategy

Based on aerial observations, the Blue Fire has not shown any growth. However, the Blue 2 Fire is continuing to spread and is currently estimated at 10 acres. Due to the remote location and severe terrain, direct engagement is unsafe at this time. A safe perimeter is being established to allow crews to contain the wildfire effectively.

Both fires are situated in an existing burn scar with fuels primarily consisting of dead and downed trees. The fires' visibility extends to Ruidoso, Capitan, Carrizozo, Mescalero, and nearby highways.

Management Approach

The overall strategy for the Blue 2 Fire is to monitor its progress while allowing it to play its natural role within the wilderness as much as possible. This approach is consistent with the objective of managing wildfires in designated wilderness areas, where the aim is to let fires naturally restore the landscape and wildlife to more natural conditions, thus reducing the risk of more extreme fires in the future.

Actions Taken:

• Monitoring: Ground and air resources are closely monitoring the fires to predict behavior and spread rates.

• Protection: Crews are prepared to act to keep the fire within planned and designated boundaries, protecting private land, infrastructure, and natural resources.

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

Ecological Importance

The Lincoln National Forest is a fire-adapted ecosystem that relies on wildfires to maintain natural balance. Allowing the Blue 2 Fire to progress naturally within safe parameters helps restore the landscape and prevent future extreme fires.

Please visit the incident web link for more information and updates on the Blue and Blue 2 Fires.

Stay safe and informed!