Firefighters prepare for winds to test the fire line on the Blue 2 Fire, which started on May 16, 2024, due to lightning. Located 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, the fire has burned 7,457 acres and is 54% contained with 786 personnel. Strong winds up to 35 mph are expected, potentially challenging containment efforts. Crews continue mop-up and structure protection while heavy equipment strengthens fire lines. Smoke conditions may increase due to dry, hot weather. The Lincoln National Forest remains under an emergency area closure, and evacuation levels are stable.

Firefighters are progressing on the 7,457-acre Blue 2 Fire, which started May 16, 2024, 8 miles north of Ruidoso. Currently, 14% contained, crews have focused on mopping up and securing lines around Soldier Mountain and Granite Knob. With 802 personnel and numerous resources, they are preparing for hotter, drier conditions. Lincoln National Forest remains under emergency closure, and evacuation levels are unchanged.

The Blue 2 Fire, started by lightning on May 16, 2024, has burned 7,455 acres with 0% containment. Located in the White Mountain Wilderness near Ruidoso, the fire is being fought by 699 personnel using various resources. Firefighters are improving firelines and structure protection despite challenging weather conditions with strong winds and hot temperatures. For updates, call 575-386-5077 or visit the provided online resources.

Vol. 34: JUNE 2024: Note to Subscribers: Please be aware that this newsletter was written and compiled prior to the recent Blue 2 Wildfire. As a result, updates and information about the wildfire are not included in this issue. For the latest information and updates on the Blue 2 Wildfire, please visit our Blue 2 Fire Information Hub or follow our official social media channels. This issue covers municipal news and events, bringing information about the people, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and local government decisions and projects important to the Ruidoso community.

Due to the ongoing Blue 2 Fire and predicted high winds and fire danger, the Village of Ruidoso will NOT conduct the regularly scheduled siren test first of the month on Saturday, June 1st. Stay informed via our Blue 2 Fire Information Hub and take necessary precautions.

The Blue 2 Fire, started by lightning on May 16, 2024, has burned 7,455 acres with 0% containment. Located in the White Mountain Wilderness near Ruidoso, the fire is being fought by 699 personnel using various resources. Firefighters are improving firelines and structure protection despite challenging weather conditions with strong winds and hot temperatures. For updates, call 575-386-5077 or visit the provided online resources.

Lincoln National Forest officials have raised the fire danger rating to 'very high' and will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions starting May 30 at 8 a.m. due to increased fire danger. These restrictions, applying to all three districts, prohibit activities such as igniting fires, smoking outside, and using equipment that could spark a fire. Exemptions include specific uses of LPG-fueled stoves and smoking in enclosed spaces. Violation of these restrictions can lead to fines and imprisonment. For details and maps, visit the New Mexico Fire Information website.

Firefighters are reinforcing firelines around the Blue 2 Fire, using various tactics, including handlines, dozer lines, and removing hot spots along the 107D road. Efforts include working south from Bonito Creek Campground, constructing lines east of Granite Knob, and improving access above Ski Apache. Smokey Bear Hotshots are securing control lines and removing hazard trees in Division F. Stay updated via official channels.

Firefighters are actively working to fully suppress the Blue 2 Fire, which started on May 16 and has burned 7,402 acres north of Ruidoso. With 643 personnel involved, efforts include hand ignition near Bonito Creek Campground, setting up sprinklers, and using bulldozers to build firelines. Smoke will be visible due to ongoing fire activity. For the latest updates on closures and evacuations, visit the Lincoln County website.

The Blue 2 Wildfire remains active. Weather conditions are hot and dry. Hotshot crews are igniting fuels near Bonito Creek Campground and setting up sprinklers at Tanbark Canyon Rd. and 107 Rd. Crews are constructing and reinforcing fire lines on Soldier Mountain and near Loma Grande. In Villa Madonna, sprinklers are in place, and aircraft have dropped retardant. Southwest crews are using heavy equipment to build lines from Buck Mountain to the Crest Trail. Stay updated via the Blue 2 Fire Facebook page and the Lincoln County OES.

Since its inception on May 16, 2024, caused by a lightning strike, the wildfire has expanded to 7,178 acres, situated approximately 8 miles north of Ruidoso. Resources employed include 533 personnel, 10 crews, 32 engines, 6 helicopters, 6 bulldozers, and 5 Water Tenders. Efforts include clearing debris and protecting structures. Dry conditions continue to challenge the suppression efforts.

Firefighting teams have enclosed Villa Madonna with containment lines and are setting up hose lines in Sun Valley. Hotshots are building lines at Monjeau Peak and Soldier Mountain, where air tankers aid by dropping retardant. Precautionary measures include sprinklers at Upper Eagle Creek Summer Homes. Lincoln County maintains current safety levels. See the Blue 2 Fire Facebook page and the Lincoln County OES updates for more details.

Firefighters are tirelessly battling the Blue 2 Fire in White Mountain Wilderness, 8 miles north of Ruidoso, which started on May 16 due to lightning. Covering 6,863 acres with zero containment, efforts include day and night shifts, building firelines, aerial water and retardant drops, and setting defensive sprinklers around homes. Persistent winds and dry conditions continue to challenge these efforts. For more details and updates on evacuations and closures, visit official links provided.

Hotshot crews are using controlled burns to manage the fire near the 107 D road and Soldier Mountain. Aviation resources, including three Type 1 helicopters, are reinforcing retardant lines and dropping water. Heavy equipment is establishing dozer lines around Loma Grande. Minimal activity was observed on the west side. Stay updated via the Lincoln National Forest Blue Fires 2024 Incident Facebook page.

The American Red Cross New Mexico Chapter is relocating its Blue 2 Fire shelter from the Lincoln County Fairgrounds to Capitan High School (519 Smokey Bear Boulevard, Capitan, NM 88316). The shelter will continue aiding those affected by the wildfire. The Lincoln County Fairgrounds will remain an evacuation center run by the CERT Team. Follow the Lincoln County Fire Service on Facebook for evacuation status updates.

The Blue 2 Wildfire has now affected 6,213 acres and is 0% contained. Additional firefighters have arrived on the scene, and more resources are en route. Located 8 miles north of Ruidoso, it involves 475 personnel, 170 crews, 42 engines, 5 helicopters, and 2 bulldozers. Significant fire activity is on the northeast and southern perimeters. For the latest evacuation info, visit Lincoln County Evacuation Updates.

No lives or structures have been lost to the Blue 2 Fire. Full suppression tactics included ground operations, scouting control lines, and starting containment lines. Leadership transitions to Incident Management Team 3 with Matt Rau in command. High winds hindered aerial efforts. Fire size is 3,249 acres. Smoke visible in Ruidoso and Capitan. Evacuation plans: Go Now, Be Set, and Be Ready in place. Red flag warning extends through the weekend.

The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services has issued an immediate evacuation order for the Nogal Canyon Road. Residents must evacuate immediately. 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.

The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services has issued a prepare-to-evacuate notice for the Ranchman's Camp and Magado Creek subdivisions. Residents must be set to evacuate. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services has issued an immediate evacuation order for the Loma Grande Subdivision. Residents must evacuate immediately. 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.