Blue 2 Fire worries Ruidoso businesses over Memorial Day weekend

RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – The Blue 2 Fire continues to burn just miles from Ruidoso, and area business owners say they are concerned about the impacts it could have on the village's tourism economy.

For the village of Ruidoso, Memorial Day weekend is a significant economic boon: “It’s huge. This is the kickoff to our busiest season of the year,” said Stephanie LeBlanc, Assistant General Manager of Ruidoso Vacation Rentals, “We are tourism based. We like to see it's full here, you know, because that's how we make our money here! »

In fact, tens of thousands of people were expected en masse in this picturesque mountain region this holiday weekend. “Everyone knew that there were expected to be up to 70,000 people here for the weekend,” said Loretta Benavidez, public information officer for the Forest Management Team. incidents 3 on the Blue 2 fire.

However, the excitement over the incoming crowds turned to concern when the Blue 2 Fire broke out on May 16 just eight miles north of town.

“Right now we occupy 6,863 acres and 532 people are assigned to the fire. We are still at 0% containment and we currently have 11 crews, 23 engines, four helicopters and two bulldozers,” Benavidez said.

LeBlanc says Ruidoso Vacation Rentals manages about 200 properties in the area and has already fielded numerous calls from concerned vacationers: “We had to move some reservations because of people who were so worried about the situation and making different plans, but we were fully booked for Memorial Day weekend.

According to her, out of hundreds of properties, only ten to fifteen were at risk of being evacuated. “We had to inform guests of the evacuation status. So we have properties in Alto and the Sun Valley area and we had to let them know that they could potentially be evacuated,” LeBlanc said.

Fortunately, none of their guests had to leave; but the encroaching fire and smoke-filled air put a damper on the weekend. LeBlanc says there are also long-term fears: “And there you go with the burn scars, you know? These views, people come for these views and for how beautiful and serene it is and this just gets in the way of that.

Officials say the Blue 2 Fire was started by lightning and is still 0% contained. Firefighters fought it from the air Monday with water and flame retardant. For updates on evacuation zones, visit the Lincoln County website.