High winds and gusts expected to affect Blue 2 Fire near Ruidoso

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – High winds and gusts are expected to be a significant factor in the potential growth of the Blue 2 Fire, which is now estimated to have burned 3,427 acres near Ruidoso on Saturday, May 25, according to a Press release. sent by the New Mexico State Forestry Division.

Containment is listed at 0 percent as of Saturday afternoon, according to the Forestry Division.

The fire broke out in a small, difficult-to-access canyon and the main challenge was putting boots on the ground to contain it, a Blue 2 Fire spokesperson said. Another challenge is the weather, with what are described as “historic” winds, the spokesperson said.

A Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory are in effect for the village of Ruidoso on May 25 until 10 p.m.

Saturday's mission focuses on air and ground operations, according to the release.

“As a proactive precaution, Lincoln County Emergency Services has issued a new emergency evacuation for the Villa Madonna subdivision. Go is also issued for the area near Forest Service Road 127A, also known as Upper Eagle Creek, off Ski Run Road and in the surrounding area along 523 Ski Run Road and the Eagle Creek Sports Complex », We can read in the press release.

Current evacuations issued by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office are underway for the Villa Madonna subdivision, Bonito Lake Road, Forest Service Road 108 and Forest Service Road 107, according to the news release.

At this time, the Angus area subdivisions, Sierra Vista and Sun Valley on the west side of Highway 48 should also be ready to evacuate, according to the news release.

Part of the White Mountain Wilderness Area is closed; you can see the area closures here.

“Lincoln County has declared a state of disaster to ensure resources are available. The Lincoln County Fire Department advises citizens to sign up for CodeRed even if you are not affected by this fire. It is an important resource for local residents,” according to the release.

There is currently an emergency shelter at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds located at 101 5th St. in Capitan, New Mexico. For more information, you can contact the Emergency Contact Center by calling (575) 336-8600.

Those who need to evacuate but cannot take their pets, you can drop them off at the Humane Society of Lincoln County located at 25962 US Highway 70 in Ruidoso.

The fire broke out on Friday, May 17 due to lightning and has since burned trees and dead trees. Containment is at 0 percent and 177 firefighters are working there with more on the way, according to the New Mexico State Division of Forestry.

Fire crews are using “complete suppression” as a tactic against the fire, according to the news release.

Additionally, another public meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 at Eastern New Mexico-Ruidoso Branch Community College, 709 Mechem Dr.

The situation is evolving rapidly and we will update with the latest information.