Blue 2 Fire nears 7,000 acres Monday

RUIDOSO, N.M. — U.S. Forest Service officials said Monday that the Blue 2 Fire is now 6,863 acres, still uncontained.

532 people are working to bring the fire under control, including aerial personnel who authorities say were very active during Sunday's fire. Video posted on social media showed an air tanker dropping fire retardant over the northwest part of the fire.

There are 11 crews, 23 engines, four helicopters and two bulldozers working the fire. Authorities say firefighters are working day and night to put out the fire.

6,683 acres, up from the 6,213 acres estimated Saturday. However, growth is slower than in previous days, giving hope that the spread of the fire can be contained.

GO – Bonito Lake, Forest Road 127A, Forest 107 and 108 have been evacuated. Nogal Canyon Road, Villa Madonna and Loma Grande Subdivision should be evacuated immediately. Residents on Highway 127A are also evacuating.

TOGETHER – Ranchman's Camp, Magado's Creek, Sun Valley, Eagle Creek Sports Complex, Angus, Ski Run, Alto Area, Eagle Creek and Sierra Vista subdivisions are in SET status and should be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

READY – The Enchanted Loop community and areas east and north of the community are in READY status. This includes High Sierra Estates, Copper Canyon, Copper Ridge Canaan Trail, Western Sonterra subdivisions east of 48 and north and south of 37.

The evacuation shelter was moved to Capitan High School on Sunday and the county fairgrounds are still open to animals – both are open 24 hours a day.

The Ready, Set, Go! the guide is available here.

The Lincoln County Fire Department shares evacuation updates here.

Authorities believe the fire started due to lightning last Friday, May 17.

An air quality alert is in effect for the area surrounding this fire. In the video above, meteorologist Alan Shoemaker looks at what conditions the region can expect.