Blue 2 Fire Evening Update – May 25, 2024
Current Status: No lives or structures have been lost to the Blue 2 Fire. The full suppression tactics employed today involved extensive ground operations, focusing on scouting control lines and beginning the construction of containment lines. The Albuquerque Type 3 Zone Team will transition leadership to the Complex Incident Management Team 3, with Matt Rau assuming incident command.
High winds today hindered aerial firefighting efforts. An infrared flight conducted on May 24 determined the current size of the fire, 3,249 acres. Smoke remains visible in Ruidoso and Capitan populated areas, and similar weather conditions are expected for the next operational period. A red flag warning issued this afternoon is expected to extend through the weekend, indicating heightened fire danger due to strong winds and dry conditions.
Evacuation Notices:
Go Now:
Loma Grande
Bonito Lake Road
Forest Service Road 108
Forest Service Road 107
Villa Madonna Subdivision
Forest Service Road 127A, also known as Upper Eagle Creek, off of Ski Run Road and the surrounding area along 523 Ski Run Road
Be Set:
Sierra Vista Subdivision
Sun Valley Subdivision
Angus Communities West of NM 48
East of NM 37
Ski Run Road
Eagle Creek Sports Complex
Cora Dutton Area
Be Ready:
Alto Area
East of Enchanted Loop Communities
North towards Nogal
Village of Capitan
Shelters and Resources:
Shelters: Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 101 5th St., Capitan, NM 88316
Animal Shelters: Humane Society of Lincoln County, 25962 US Hwy 70, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Area Closures: Parts of the White Mountain Wilderness Area are currently closed. For more detailed information, please refer to the following link: Closure Update for Trails on White Mountain Wilderness Area - May 22, 2024
Fire Details:
Start Date / Time: May 17, 2024, approximately 3:45 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Size: 3,249 acres
Location: White Mountain Wilderness
Resources: 259 Personnel, more en route
Vegetation/Fuels: Dead and dead/down trees
Containment: 0%
Tactic: Full Suppression
Smoke: Moderate / Wind Influenced Smoke
For ongoing updates and more information, please visit:
Facebook: Lincoln National Forest
NM Fire Info: NMFireInfo.com
InciWeb: Blue 2 Fire Incident Information
Lincoln County CodeRed: Text “lincolnnmalerts” to 99411
New Closure Order Map: USDA Forest Service Alerts
Stay safe and informed as we work together to combat the Blue 2 Fire. Your cooperation and preparedness are crucial during this challenging time.
Source: Lincoln National Forest, Forest Service News Release
