Lincoln County wildfire forces evacuation of Ruidoso, Capitan

Lina PortmanMay 27, 2024

0 2 minutes read

The U.S. Forest Service said evacuations have been ordered for residents in the path of the Blue 2 Fire, which is burning in the Lincoln National Forest.

Blue 2 had grown to 3,249 acres after being ignited May 17 by lightning.

Evacuations extend across the Sacramento Mountains. “Leave” orders were issued for Loma Grande, Bonito Lake Road, Forest Service Road 108, Forest Service Road 107, Villa Madonna Subdivision, Forest Service Road 127A, also known as Upper Eagle Creek, adjacent to Ski Run Rd. and surrounding areas.

A shelter has been established for those displaced by the fire at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds at 101 5th Street in Capitan.

Residents east of the Enchanted Loop communities, north toward Nogal and Capitan Village were advised to prepare for evacuation. People living in Sierra Vista Subdivision, Sun Valley Subdivision, Angus communities west of NM 48, east of NM 37, Ski Run Road, Alto Area, Eagle Creek Sports Complex and Cora Area Dutton have also been informed to be ready to evacuate if the order arrives.

Wildfire officials said the Blue 2 fire did not reach any sort of containment because fast winds in the area helped it spread.

Despite the evacuations, authorities said no structures were lost on Sunday (May 26).

According to a Forest Service news release, 259 people are dealing with the Blue 2 Fire and more are on the way.

Smoke was likely visible to area residents as the fire grew over the weekend. Windy weather on Saturday prevented crews from continuing flight operations, and officials expected the weather to continue to be a challenge through Memorial Day weekend.

A red flag warning has been issued for the area by the National Weather Service and will continue through the weekend, according to the release. A red flag warning means there is an increased risk of wildfires in the area and residents should take extra precautions to avoid them, such as not throwing cigarettes or matches out of a vehicle in movement, because they could start a fire with dry grass.

Moser fire containment continues

The Moser Fire started on May 20 just four miles from Cloudcroft and had burned 150 acres of wildland by Sunday, May 26.

The fire has been reduced to 96 acres and is reported to have reached 82% containment, according to a press release from the Lincoln National Forest. Fire crews continued their suppression tactics over Memorial Day weekend.

Lina Portman

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