Blue 2 Fire Morning Update - May 26, 2024
The Blue 2 Wildfire has now affected 6,213 acres and is 0% contained. Additional firefighters have arrived on the scene, and more resources are en route. Located 8 miles north of Ruidoso, it involves 475 personnel, 170 crews, 42 engines, 5 helicopters, and 2 bulldozers. Significant fire activity is on the northeast and southern perimeters. For the latest evacuation info, visit Lincoln County Evacuation Updates.
Blue 2 Fire Evening Update – May 25, 2024
No lives or structures have been lost to the Blue 2 Fire. Full suppression tactics included ground operations, scouting control lines, and starting containment lines. Leadership transitions to Incident Management Team 3 with Matt Rau in command. High winds hindered aerial efforts. Fire size is 3,249 acres. Smoke visible in Ruidoso and Capitan. Evacuation plans: Go Now, Be Set, and Be Ready in place. Red flag warning extends through the weekend.
Blue 2 Fire Immediate Evacuation Notice - Nogal Canyon Road
The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services has issued an immediate evacuation order for the Nogal Canyon Road. Residents must evacuate immediately. Please proceed with caution and follow all instructions from emergency personnel. Stay safe and stay informed. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
BLUE 2 FIRE PREPARE-TO-EVACUATE NOTICE - RANCHMAN'S CAMP AND MAGADO CREEK SUBDIVISIONS
The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services has issued a prepare-to-evacuate notice for the Ranchman's Camp and Magado Creek subdivisions. Residents must be set to evacuate. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Blue 2 Fire Immediate Evacuation Notice - Loma Grande Subdivision
The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services has issued an immediate evacuation order for the Loma Grande Subdivision. Residents must evacuate immediately. Please proceed with caution and follow all instructions from emergency personnel. Stay safe and stay informed. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Lincoln National Forest to Host Blue 2 Fire Town Hall at 7 PM on May 25, 2024
Lincoln National Forest is hosting a critical community event this evening, May 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The Blue 2 Fire Town Hall will occur at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM. The event will address critical issues related to active Blue 2 Fire and community safety.
The Forest Service has issued a new update with changes to evacuations - May 25, 2024
Lincoln County Emergency Office has ordered an immediate evacuation for Villa Madonna Subdivision due to the Blue 2 Fire. Affected areas include Upper Eagle Creek and Hwy 532 Ski Run Road. Residents can shelter at the Capitan Fairgrounds. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 10 PM. The fire, caused by lightning, has burned 3,427 acres with 0% containment. Stay updated via the Watch Duty App, the Village of Ruidoso Blue 2 Fire Hub, and heard on the Village of Ruidoso 1490 KRUI AM radio station.
Blue 2 Fire Immediate Evacuation Notice: - Villa Madonna Subdivision
The Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services has issued an immediate evacuation order for the Villa Madonna Subdivision. Residents must evacuate immediately to the County Fairgrounds at Capitan. Please proceed with caution and follow all instructions from emergency personnel. Stay safe and stay informed. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Blue 2 Fire Morning Update - May 25, 2024
High Wind Warning is in effect from 11 AM to 6 PM MST today, May 25th, with southwest winds of 35-45 mph and gusts up to 60 mph. Smoke is expected in and around Ruidoso. Responding crews include 177 members with more arriving. GO NOW evacuations: Villa Madonna Subdivision, Bonito Lake Rd, Forest Service Rds 108, 107, 127A. SET evacuations: Sierra Vista and Sun Valley Subdivisions. READY evacuations: Angus Area. Stay alert and follow local authority instructions.
Evacuation Notice for Forest Rd 127A - May 25, 2024
Residents and visitors of Forest Rd 127A (Upper Eagle Creek off Ski Run Road) are being evacuated to the County Fairgrounds, per Lincoln County Fire Service on Facebook. This evacuation affects only those on Forest Rd 127A. Stay updated by following the Lincoln County Fire Service on Facebook and the Watch Duty app. Safety is the top priority; adhere to all evacuation orders and guidelines. Stay safe, Ruidoso.
Blue 2 Fire Evening Update: Public Meeting and Latest Developments - May 24, 2024
The Blue 2 Fire has expanded to 2,800 acres. Firefighters, including large air tankers, are focusing on the eastern side. A public meeting will be held tonight, May 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College (709 Mechem Drive). Residents are encouraged to attend for updates and questions. Stay informed via the Watch Duty app.
Blue 2 Fire Late Morning Update - May 24, 2024
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.
Blue 2 Fire Morning Update - May 24, 2024
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.
Public Meeting Announcement: Lincoln National Forest - Discussion on Blue 2 Fire
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.
Blue Fire Morning Update, May 23, 2024
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.
Blue 2 Fire Evening Update, May 22, 2024
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.
Lincoln National Forest Closure Announcement
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.
Blue Fire May 21 2024 Evening Update
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.
Update: Blue Fires in White Mountain Wilderness Area - May 20, 2024
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.
Updated Status Report of Blue and Blue 2 Fires in White Mountain Wilderness Area - May 19, 2024
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