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 State of New Mexico CID will conduct general building and electrical inspections from May 27 to June 3, 2024. Plumbing and HVAC inspections will proceed as usual. No inspections for service changes, temporary power, and temporary to permanent electrical will occur during this time. Inspections requested after June 3 will be scheduled for June 4 with the Village of Ruidoso Building Official.

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.

Lincoln National Forest raises fire danger rating to "high" effective April 19, 2024. Visitors are urged to use caution with campfires; human activities are a major cause of wildfires. Safety measures include thorough extinguishment of fires and avoiding dry areas. More info: www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln.

The Village of Ruidoso is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of its employees and departments for the first quarter of 2024. Please join us in congratulating Andrew Sullins and the Street Department for their well-deserved recognition.

Discover a new Ruidoso with Real Ruidoso | Ruidoso Real—a pioneering Village of Ruidoso tourism initiative. From inspiring stories of local heroes to the spotlight on independent businesses shaping the town's identity, Real Ruidoso invites travelers to go beyond the ordinary and forge genuine connections that will last a lifetime.

Don't miss the College and Job Fair at ENMU-Ruidoso hosted by New Mexico Workforce Connection. Open to all seeking work or educational opportunities, the event will feature representatives from schools, businesses, and the military. Drop by any time between 10 AM and 6 PM at ENMU-Ruidoso, 709 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso, NM. Contact 575-315-1120 for details.

Beginning April 9, 2024, Mountain States Constructors, Inc. (MSCI) will start a road improvement project on N.M. 48 (Sudderth/Mechem) in Ruidoso lasting 4-6 weeks (weather permitting). The project spans from Mile Post 0 to 3.3, with mill and fill operations aiming to enhance road quality and safety. Business access remains unaffected, but drivers should expect minor delays due to lane closures. Work hours are 6 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, with no weekend construction.

The Smokey Bear Ranger District on the Lincoln National Forest will conduct prescribed burns in the Cedar Creek Prescribed Burn Project Area from April 9 to 19, 2024. Due to current conditions, the dates can be subject to change. Crews will be targeting slash piles on approximately 87 acres within the 730-acre Cedar Creek Prescribed Burn Project Area. Exact ignition dates depend upon agency administrator approval and can be postponed on short notice due to developing conditions at the burn site.