Blue 2 Fire Daily Update - June 5, 2024
As of June 5, 2024, the fire has burned 7,532 acres since May 16, 2024, 8 miles north of Ruidoso in White Mountain Wilderness Area. Caused by lightning, it is now 77% contained, with 399 personnel working. Efforts include repairing dozer lines, installing erosion control, and reseeding fire lines. Minimal smoke is produced, with potential storms expected. Public safety closures remain in effect. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for June 6 at 7:30 pm on the Blue 2 Fire Facebook page.
DETAILS
Acres: 7,532
Start Date: May 16, 2024
Location: 8 miles North of Ruidoso, White Mountain Wilderness Area
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 399
Fuels: Timber/Grass/Brush
Containment: 77%
Resources: 5 crews | 14 engines | 2 helicopters | 2 bulldozers | 5 Water Tenders
Highlights: Firefighters achieved additional containment just south of Bonito Lake as work on the fire continues. A virtual public meeting is planned for Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 pm. The meeting will be broadcast live on the Blue 2 Fire Facebook page.
Operations: Firefighters continue to focus on repairing dozer lines and hand lines created during the height of fire suppression efforts. As repair work is completed, it is inspected to ensure the standards identified by the Forest Service and New Mexico Forestry Division are met. Brush cut to remove fuels has been chipped. Excavators are working along the dozer line from the 131 road to the 108 road, installing erosion control features and pulling brush on top of disturbed soil. Crews are checking for any additional hot spots on Soldier Mountain and using hand tools to create small ridges that will divert water and reduce future erosion potential along the handline. The dozer line west of the communities along the Forest Service boundary is also being repaired. Masticators working along this dozer line have created a fuel break that will help reduce risk to the communities during future wildfires. Seed has been ordered and fire lines will be re-seeded. Law enforcement continues to enforce the forest closure so firefighters can safely complete their work.
Weather: Moisture is expected to enter the fire area today with potential for isolated afternoon storms. Significant moisture is expected in the coming days with higher humidity and daily storms.
Smoke: The fire is producing minimal smoke. Surrounding communities will see good air. Transported smoke from other active fires in upwind states or Mexico, may create some hazy skies on occasion. The interactive smoke map can still be found at fire.airnow.gov/
Closures: In the interest of public safety, camping and other recreation activities in the Bonito Lake Area are still restricted due to ongoing firefighting activities. The Forest closure order will continue to remain in effect for the White Mountain Wilderness Area.
Evacuations: All “Go” evacuation statuses have been lifted. For an interactive evacuation map go to tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs
Safety: 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
Related Links:
Related Information:
June 4 Blue 2 Fire Daily Update.pdf (335.61 KB)
June 4 Blue 2 Fire Evacuation Map.pdf (5.33 MB)
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