Blue 2 Fire Late Morning Update – May 24, 2024 — Ruidoso-NM.gov

Yesterday's red flag conditions intensified the Blue 2 Fire, which is currently burning in the White Mountain Wilderness. The fire has grown to about 1,478 acres, but heavy smoke makes accurate measurement difficult. Fire crews worked through the night to contain the blaze, which continues to burn dead and downed trees as well as standing snags left after the 2012 Little Bear Fire.

For real-time updates, visit the Watch Duty Blue 2 fire incidents page.

Today's operations:

Today, operations include both air and ground efforts, with aircraft deployed when weather conditions permit. Ground operations will now take place day and night. A complex incident management team was tasked at midnight and is on its way to assist.

Emergency services and evacuations:

Due to the increase in fires, Lincoln County has activated an emergency contact center at (575) 336-8600. An emergency shelter and animal shelter are also in place. Current evacuations are affecting Bonito Lake Rd, Forest Service Road 108 and Forest Service Road 107. Residents in the Angus area, Villa Madonna, Sierra Vista and Sun Valley subdivisions should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. An evacuation reception center is established at the Capitan Fairgrounds.

Public meeting:

A public meeting will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico.

Fire details:

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

• Cause: Lightning

• Size: 1,478 acres

• Location: White Mountain Desert

• Resources: 88 people, more on the way

• Vegetation/Fuels: Dead and felled trees

• Containment: 0%

• Tactical: Complete removal

• Smoke: Moderate, influenced by wind

Evacuation levels:

• Go ahead now: Bonito Lake Road, Forest Service Road 108, Forest Service Road 107

• Be defined: Villa Madonna Subdivision, Sierra Vista Subdivision, Sun Valley Subdivision

• Be ready: Angus region

Shelters:

• Evacuation shelter: Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 101 5th St., Capitan, NM 88316

• Animal shelter: Humane Society of Lincoln County, 25962 US Hwy 70, Ruidoso, NM 88345

Area closures:

Parts of the White Mountain Wilderness Area are closed. For more information, visit the InciWeb Closure Update page.

CONNECTIONS:

Public Information Team Contact:

Important reminder:
Please keep 911 available for emergencies only.

Stay informed and stay safe.