Blue 2 Fire Evening Update – May 25, 2024 — Ruidoso-NM.gov

Actual status: No lives or structures were lost due to the Blue 2 Fire. Total suppression tactics employed today involved extensive ground operations, focusing on reconnaissance of lines of control and beginning construction of containment lines. Albuquerque Area Team Type 3 will transfer leadership to Complex Incident Management Team 3, with Matt Rau assuming incident command.

Today's strong winds hampered aerial firefighting efforts. An infrared flight conducted on May 24 determined the current size of the fire at 3,249 acres. Smoke remains visible in the populated areas of Ruidoso and Capitan, 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 an increased fire risk due to high winds and dry conditions.

Evacuation notice:

• Go ahead 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 Ski Run Road and surrounding areas along 523 Ski Run Road.

• Be defined:

• Be ready:

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 see the following link: White Mountain Wilderness Area Trail Closure Update – May 22, 2024.

Fire details:

• Start date/time: May 17, 2024, around 3:45 p.m.

• Cause: Lightning

• Size: 3,249 acres

• Location: White Mountain Desert

• Resources: 259 personnel, more on the way

• Vegetation/Fuels: Dead and dead/felled trees

• Containment: 0%

• Tactical: Complete removal

• Smoke: Moderate smoke/wind influenced

For continued updates and more information, please visit: