Blue 2 Fire contained at 54%

Photo courtesy of the Blue 2 Fire Facebook page

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Blue 2 Fire remains at 7,457 acres with 54 percent containment as of Sunday, June 2, according to a press release sent out by the New Mexico State Division of Forestry.

As of Saturday, June 1, the fire is estimated to be 7,457 acres with 14 percent containment.

Storms will continue in surrounding areas, bringing outflow winds up to 35 mph to ridge tops and affecting the fire area throughout the day, according to the Division of Forestry.

“Firefighters are prepared to brave the weather conditions to test containment and the remaining line of the fire perimeter. The success of the work on the ground has enabled the progression of increased containment,” the press release reads.

As of Saturday, June 1, Solider Mountain has been fully contained and firefighters will remain in the area to ensure the fire line holds.

The Forestry Division said heavy equipment was working to complete the contingency line to Buck Mountain. The night shift will continue to patrol around communities and monitor any new heat sources.

“Today, ground crews will remain vigilant in anticipation of forecast winds where hot spots or sightings could test the fire perimeter. The engines will be near Lake Bonito to clean and ensure protection of the at-risk structure. Crews are clearing slash from the fire lines and heavy equipment is being used in west Angus and Enchanted Forest communities to ensure the lines hold,” the press release reads.

The Forestry Division said as conditions get hot and dry, there is a risk of increased smoke. However, unless there is significant fire growth, only periods of light smoke are expected to be seen around Bonito and Capitan.

You can view an interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/.

The Lincoln National Forest has issued an emergency closure of the area due to the fire and a temporary flight restriction is in place over the area, according to the Division of Forestry.

Evacuation levels remain unchanged. Evacuation shelters are expected to remain open over the weekend.

There are currently 786 people on site, including 17 crews, 33 engineers, eight helicopters, six bulldozers and 10 water tenders.

The fire was started by lightning on Thursday, May 16, and is located in the White Mountain Wilderness, 8 miles north of Ruidoso, according to the Division of Forestry.

For the latest information on evacuations, click here.