Evacuations issued for Blue 2 Fire near Ruidoso

RUIDOSO, N.M. — Authorities have ordered the evacuation of the Blue 2 Fire near Ruidoso in Lincoln County, which has now burned nearly 1,500 acres.

They are advising anyone living along Bonito Lake Road and GO Forest Roads 108 and 107 to evacuate immediately. Residents in the Villa Madonna, Sierra Vista and Sun Valley subdivisions are advised to be prepared and prepare to evacuate. Angus residents should prepare themselves.

If you need to evacuate and cannot take your pets, you can bring them to the Humane Society of Lincoln County (575-257-9841). Authorities accept large animals at the Capitan Fairgrounds.

There is a meeting at 7 p.m. Friday at ENMU-Ruidoso about the fire.

The fire now spans 1,477.54 acres in the White Mountain Wilderness area of ​​the Lincoln National Forest. This is an active fire with no known containment.

Authorities say they detected two fires caused by lightning in the area on May 17, which they closely monitored in the week following their start. Now, with high winds, hot temperatures and dry conditions, especially over Memorial Day weekend, concerns about fire spread are becoming more urgent.

Bonito Lake recently opened its gates for the unofficial kickoff of summer. Authorities closed the lake again due to the spread of the fire.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office held an informational meeting Friday morning.