Blue 2 Fire Late Morning Update - May 24, 2024

Fire UpdatePSA

May 24

Yesterday's Red Flag conditions intensified the Blue 2 Fire, currently burning in the White Mountain Wilderness area. The fire has grown to an estimated 1,478 acres, but heavy smoke makes precise measurement difficult. Fire crews worked through the night to contain the blaze, which continues to burn dead and downed trees and standing snags left after the Little Bear fire in 2012.

For real-time updates, visit the Watch Duty Blue 2 Fire Incident Page.

Today's Operations:

Operations today include both air and ground efforts, with aircraft deployed as weather permits. Ground operations will now run day and night. A Complex Incident Management Team was ordered at midnight and is en route to assist.

Emergency Services and Evacuations:

Due to increased fire activity, Lincoln County has activated an Emergency Contact Center at (575) 336-8600. An emergency shelter and animal shelter are also in place. Current evacuations affect Bonito Lake Rd, Forest Service Road 108, and Forest Service Road 107. Residents in the Angus Area, Villa Madonna, Sierra Vista, and Sun Valley subdivisions should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. An evacuation reception center is established at the Capitan Fairgrounds.

Public Meeting:

A public meeting will be on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM.

Fire Details:

Start Date/Time: May 17, 2024, approximately 3:45 PM
Cause: Lightning
Size: 1,478 acres
Location: White Mountain Wilderness
Resources: 88 personnel, more en route
Vegetation/Fuels: Dead and downed trees
Containment: 0%
Tactic: Full suppression
Smoke: Moderate, wind-influenced

Evacuation Levels:

Go Now: Bonito Lake Rd, Forest Service Road 108, Forest Service Road 107
Be Set: Villa Madonna Subdivision, Sierra Vista Subdivision, Sun Valley Subdivision
Be Ready: Angus Area

Shelters:

Evacuation Shelter: Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 101 5th St., Capitan, NM 88316
Animal Shelter: Humane Society of Lincoln County, 25962 US Hwy 70, Ruidoso, NM 88345

Area Closures:

Parts of the White Mountain Wilderness Area are closed. For more information, visit the InciWeb closure update page.