| Blue 2 Fire Update, June 11, 2024NM Fire Info

Heat source identified and attenuated for firefighter safety on the Blue 2 Fire

Daily Update: June 11, 2024

Acres: 7,532

Start date: May 16, 2024

Location: 8 miles north of Ruidoso, White Mountain Wilderness Area

Cause: Lightning

Staff: 135

Fuels: Wood/Grass/Brush

Containment: 88%

Resources: 1 crew | 2 engines | 3 water tenders | 2 chewers

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters were able to gain access on foot near the fire perimeter north of Buck Mountain and identified an ash pit as the source of smoke that was previously visible. Ash pits are created when a fire begins to consume underground fuels. These pits present dangers to firefighters because they create a space filled with superheated ash, often indistinguishable from the surface. Firefighters can fall into ashtrays and suffer serious burns. For firefighter safety, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) pilots will continue to monitor the area for heat sources toward the uncontained fire perimeter as direct access continues to be difficult . Contingency lines were constructed to surround the uncontained perimeter in a safer and more accessible area for firefighters. A grader and mini excavator arrived to assist firefighters with repairs and caulking along the eastern contingency line working west toward Loma Grande. Bulldozer lines are also repaired inside Soldier Mountain by crews filling the lines with brush to return the constructed lines to a more natural state. Transport of excess material from completed sections of the fire will continue throughout the week. Law enforcement will remain present to enforce the closure of the forest so that firefighters can complete their work in complete safety.

Weather report: Yesterday, the fire area experienced small amounts of moisture from nearby showers and storms. Storms can bring dry lightning, strong and erratic winds, rain and even small hail. Today, a warming and drying trend is forecast for the remainder of the week as high pressure develops over the region. Fire behavior is expected to be minimal and smoldering in the few areas with a heat source within the fire perimeter.

Smoke: Smoke from inside the fire may produce a limited amount of smoke throughout the day, which may impact surrounding areas, which are wind dependent. The interactive smoke map is still available on fire.airnow.gov/

Closures: Due to ongoing firefighter activities, the Lake Bonito area is still restricted in the interest of public safety. The forest closure order will remain in effect for the White Mountain Wilderness Area.

Evacuations: All evacuation statuses have been lifted. For an interactive evacuation map, go to tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs