Lincoln National Forest is hosting a critical community event this evening, May 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The Blue 2 Fire Town Hall will occur at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM. The event will address critical issues related to active Blue 2 Fire and community safety.

Lincoln County Emergency Office has ordered an immediate evacuation for Villa Madonna Subdivision due to the Blue 2 Fire. Affected areas include Upper Eagle Creek and Hwy 532 Ski Run Road. Residents can shelter at the Capitan Fairgrounds. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 10 PM. The fire, caused by lightning, has burned 3,427 acres with 0% containment. Stay updated via the Watch Duty App, the Village of Ruidoso Blue 2 Fire Hub, and heard on the Village of Ruidoso 1490 KRUI AM radio station.

The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services has issued an immediate evacuation order for the Villa Madonna Subdivision. Residents must evacuate immediately to the County Fairgrounds at Capitan. Please proceed with caution and follow all instructions from emergency personnel. Stay safe and stay informed. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

High Wind Warning is in effect from 11 AM to 6 PM MST today, May 25th, with southwest winds of 35-45 mph and gusts up to 60 mph. Smoke is expected in and around Ruidoso. Responding crews include 177 members with more arriving. GO NOW evacuations: Villa Madonna Subdivision, Bonito Lake Rd, Forest Service Rds 108, 107, 127A. SET evacuations: Sierra Vista and Sun Valley Subdivisions. READY evacuations: Angus Area. Stay alert and follow local authority instructions.

Residents and visitors of Forest Rd 127A (Upper Eagle Creek off Ski Run Road) are being evacuated to the County Fairgrounds, per Lincoln County Fire Service on Facebook. This evacuation affects only those on Forest Rd 127A. Stay updated by following the Lincoln County Fire Service on Facebook and the Watch Duty app. Safety is the top priority; adhere to all evacuation orders and guidelines. Stay safe, Ruidoso.

As of May 24, 2024, the Blue 2 Fire has grown to 3,300 acres and is 0% contained. There are 88 personnel on-site, and more will be arriving soon. Evacuations remain unchanged. Today's efforts focused on air and ground operations. The Southwest Complex Incident Team will take over management on Sunday. For detailed updates, visit the Watch Duty App Incident page. Stay safe, Ruidoso.

The Blue 2 Fire has expanded to 2,800 acres. Firefighters, including large air tankers, are focusing on the eastern side. A public meeting will be held tonight, May 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College (709 Mechem Drive). Residents are encouraged to attend for updates and questions. Stay informed via the Watch Duty app.

The Blue 2 Fire in the White Mountain Wilderness has grown to 1,478 acres, fueled by dead trees from the 2012 Little Bear fire. Crews are working day and night with air support as weather allows. Evacuations are in effect for Bonito Lake Rd and Forest Service Roads 108 and 107, with warnings for nearby subdivisions. An emergency shelter is set up at Capitan Fairgrounds. A public meeting will be held on May 24, 2024, at 7 PM at ENMU-Ruidoso.

The Blue 2 Fire in White Mountain Wilderness, Lincoln National Forest, Lincoln County, NM, has affected 1,477.54 acres and remains active. Evacuation orders (Level 3) are in place for Bonito Lake Rd and Forest Service Roads 108 and 107. Evacuation warnings (Level 2) include Villa Madonna, Sierra Vista, and Sun Valley Subdivisions. Evacuation advisories (Level 1) are for the Angus Area. An evacuation reception center is set up at Lincoln County Fairgrounds.

A public meeting hosted by Lincoln National Forest to discuss the ongoing Blue 2 Fire will take place on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM. Engage with representatives, learn about fire management and voice concerns. Residents' participation is encouraged.

The Blue Fire, caused by lightning on May 17, continues to burn at 0.5 acres in the White Mountain Wilderness. Crews are assessing trails for containment lines, and a closure order is in effect for portions of the 107 Road and the South Fork Campground. The Blue 2 Fire holds at 48 acres. Light smoke is visible, but significant community impact is not expected. More details are available on InciWeb and NM Fire Info.

The Blue 2 Fire remains at 48 acres in the White Mountain Wilderness, burning in an area affected by the 2012 Little Bear fire. Command will transfer to the Albuquerque Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team on May 23. Crews are assessing trails and roadways for containment lines. Access to parts of the National Forest wilderness is restricted. Light smoke is visible, but significant community impact is not expected.

In response to the ongoing Blue 2 wildfire, the U.S. Forest Service has issued an area closure order for all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within and around the White Mountain Wilderness, from NFSR 107 and Big Bonito Trail #36, to Aspen Trail #35, Crest Trail #25, Rodamaker Trail #20, and back to NFSR 107. This closure is essential to protect firefighter personnel and the public, as suppression tactics actively manage the wildfire.

The Village of Ruidoso announces construction at 603 Mechem to add ten workforce homes in May and June. Extensive earthwork is ongoing, and traffic is being managed to minimize disruptions. Brief traffic stops may occur as modular units are moved onto the property. These homes will enhance the village's vibrancy.

The Blue Fire remains at 0.5 acres with no growth, while the Blue 2 Fire holds at 45 acres. The strategy is to monitor the Blue 2 Fire, allowing it to follow its natural course due to unsafe conditions for direct engagement. This approach aligns with managing fires in designated wilderness areas, supporting the natural ecosystem. Continuous monitoring ensures the protection of nearby land and resources. More details are available on NM Fire Info and InciWeb.

Based on aerial observations, the Blue Fire remains at 0.5 acres, while the Blue 2 Fire has spread to 45 acres as of May 20, 2024. The remote location and severe terrain prevent direct engagement, so alternate containment strategies are in place. Smoke is visible from Ruidoso and nearby areas. The fires are being monitored to protect private land and resources while allowing them to play their natural role in the wilderness.

The Blue and Blue 2 Fires, caused by lightning on May 17 in the White Mountain Wilderness, are being closely monitored. The Blue Fire remains stable, while the Blue 2 Fire has spread to 10 acres. Due to remote and rugged terrain, direct containment is unsafe. Efforts focus on maintaining safe boundaries and protecting nearby resources. Smoke may be visible from Ruidoso and surrounding areas. More updates are available via the incident weblink

The Village of Ruidoso is monitoring the Blue Fires, which may grow due to red flag conditions. Detected on May 17 in the White Mountain Wilderness, these fires cover approximately 0.5 acres. The strategy is to allow natural spread while protecting private land and resources. Smoke and aircraft activity will be noticeable. Stay updated via http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmlnf-blue-fire for more information.

Now, more than ever, local news matters. Vol. 33: MAY 2024: This issue of the Village of Ruidoso Insider newsletter covers municipal news and events, bringing information about the people, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and local government decisions and projects important to the Ruidoso community.

The Village of Ruidoso, NM, has implemented Level II fire restrictions effective immediately on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Noon. These additional fire protections will remain in effect until officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire.