Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 1, 2024
Firefighters are making significant strides in containing the Blue 2 Fire, which has burned 7,457 acres since May 16, 2024. Located 8 miles north of Ruidoso in the White Mountain Wilderness Area, the fire is 14% contained. Efforts include mopping up and securing lines, particularly around Soldier Mountain and Granite Knob, as firefighters brace for hot and dry weather early next week. With 802 personnel, resources include 17 crews, 32 engines, 8 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, and 12 water tenders. Although moderate weather aided containment yesterday, the forecast predicts higher humidity and wind today. Lincoln National Forest remains under an emergency closure, and evacuation levels are unchanged. Smoke production has decreased, and a Temporary Flight Restriction is in place.
Public Information Map Blue 2 Fire June 1, 2024 per Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3
Acres:7,457
Location: 8 miles North of Ruidoso, White Mountain Wilderness Area
Personnel: 802
Containment: 14%
Start Date: May 16, 2024
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber/Grass/Brush
Resources: 17 crews | 32 engines | 8 helicopters | 3 bulldozers | 12 Water Tenders
Highlights: Yesterday, experienced moderate weather, which assisted firefighters in completing additional containment. The southern end of Soldier Mountain gained more containment lines as mop-up work continued in the area by fire crews on the ground. An additional containment line was achieved on the fire perimeter west of Granite Knob. Firefighters are working hard to be able to mop up along the fire’s edge to prepare for the forecasted hot and dry weather early next week.
Weather: Yesterday, humidity was high during the day until late afternoon which assisted firefighters to continue working safely around the perimeter. Storm clouds were seen at the eastern edge of the fire area, however the fire did not receive any moisture. During the evening, there was a drop in humidity due to southwesterly winds that dried out fine fuels. Today, higher humidity and wind are expected. Storm clouds will be seen during the day around the eastern side of the fire. Even though wind and storm clouds are expected, a major increase in fire behavior is not expected.
Smoke: Smoke production has decreased due to minimal fire activity. Thunderstorms predicted outside of the fire perimeter will produce downflow winds that could move some light smoke into surrounding areas. View an interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/
Phone Number: 575-386-5077 (7 a.m. -7 p.m.)
Media Phone Number: 575-386-5108 (7 a.m. -7 p.m.)
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmlnf-blue-2-fire
Email: 2024.blue2@firenet.gov
Links to further information can be found at the QR code or https://linktr.ee/bluefire.2024
Operations: Yesterday, fire crews continued mopping up and securing lines along the 107 A road and Soldier Mountain. Heavy equipment has been successful in progressing the contingency lines that surround the fire. Structure protection will continually have a presence throughout the surrounding communities on both day and night shifts to ensure that communities are being monitored for any changes to the fire. Mop-up and patrol continue across the entire fire perimeter. Pumps, sprinklers, and water sources are being used to support structure protection and mop-up efforts. Handline on the eastern forest boundary near Enchanted Forest and Sun Valley continue to progress.
The Lincoln National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Blue 2 Fire. The closure order (No.03-08-24-0001) and map are available on Inciweb and the Lincoln National Forest website.
Evacuations: Evacuation levels remain unchanged. Evacuation shelters are expected to stay open over the weekend. Efforts are continually being made by fire crews to ensure that the fire perimeter is safe before repopulation of the surrounding communities. For an interactive evacuation map, go to tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs
June 1, 2024, Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Map per Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. Find the TFR at tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/
Original post here
Important Links
Fire Restrictions: Lincoln National Forest Alerts
Smoke Outlook: Smoke Forecast
Forest Closures: Lincoln National Forest Alerts
Road Closures: New Mexico Roads
Evacuations: Call (575) 336-8600 or visit Lincoln County Evacuations
Ready, Set, Go Status: New Mexico Ready, Set, Go
Related Information
June 1 Blue 2 Daily Update .pdf (317.28 KB)
Stay informed and stay safe.
For the latest evacuation information, please visit the Lincoln County website.
For information on Ready, Set, Go Status definitions, visit the New Mexico Fire Prevention Programs page.
The Village of Ruidoso is committed to keeping the community informed and safe during this challenging time. Please stay tuned for further updates and adhere to all safety guidelines and evacuation notices.
Blue Fire Information
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3
Fire Information Phone Number: (575) 386-5077
Media Phone Number: (575) 386-5108
Fire Information: www.linktr.ee/BlueFire.2024
