Yesterday’s Red Flag conditions intensified the Blue 2 Fire, currently burning in the White Mountain Wilderness area. The fire has grown to an estimated 1,478 acres, but heavy smoke makes precise measurement difficult. Fire crews worked through the night to contain the blaze, which continues to burn dead and downed trees and standing snags left after the Little Bear fire in 2012.

For real-time updates, visit the Watch Duty Blue 2 Fire Incident Page.

Today’s Operations:

Operations today include both air and ground efforts, with aircraft deployed as weather permits. Ground operations will now run day and night. A Complex Incident Management Team was ordered at midnight and is en route to assist.

Emergency Services and Evacuations:

Due to increased fire activity, Lincoln County has activated an Emergency Contact Center at (575) 336-8600. An emergency shelter and animal shelter are also in place. Current evacuations affect Bonito Lake Rd, Forest Service Road 108, and Forest Service Road 107. Residents in the Angus Area, Villa Madonna, Sierra Vista, and Sun Valley subdivisions should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. An evacuation reception center is established at the Capitan Fairgrounds.

Public Meeting:

A public meeting will be on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM.

Fire Details:

• Start Date/Time: May 17, 2024, approximately 3:45 PM

• Cause: Lightning

• Size: 1,478 acres

• Location: White Mountain Wilderness

• Resources: 88 personnel, more en route

• Vegetation/Fuels: Dead and downed trees

• Containment: 0%

• Tactic: Full suppression

• Smoke: Moderate, wind-influenced

Evacuation Levels:

• Go Now: Bonito Lake Rd, Forest Service Road 108, Forest Service Road 107

• Be Set: Villa Madonna Subdivision, Sierra Vista Subdivision, Sun Valley Subdivision

• Be Ready: Angus Area

Shelters:

• Evacuation Shelter: Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 101 5th St., Capitan, NM 88316

• Animal Shelter: Humane Society of Lincoln County, 25962 US Hwy 70, Ruidoso, NM 88345

Area Closures:

Parts of the White Mountain Wilderness Area are closed. For more information, visit the InciWeb closure update page.

LINKS:

Public Information Team Contact:

Important Reminder:
Please keep 911 available for emergencies only.

Stay informed and stay safe.