As of this evening, the Blue 2 Fire has grown to an estimated 3,300 acres and remains 0% contained. A total of 88 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, with additional resources en route to assist in the ongoing efforts. Evacuations remain unchanged from previous announcements.

Today’s Operations

Today’s mission focused heavily on both air and ground operations. Firefighting teams utilized aircraft and ground crews to tackle the blaze, working tirelessly to protect our community and its natural surroundings. The cooperation and dedication of these teams are critical as the fire continues to spread.

Incident Management Transition

The Southwest Complex Incident Team is currently en route and is expected to take over management of the fire on Sunday. This transition will bring additional expertise and resources to the ongoing efforts to combat the fire and protect our community.

Stay Informed

For the latest updates and detailed information, please follow the link to read the full update: Blue 2 Fire Full Update.

Community Support

We thank the community for their continued support and cooperation during this challenging time. It is essential to stay informed and adhere to any evacuation orders or safety recommendations provided by officials.

Stay safe, Ruidoso.

For continuous updates, please check the official channels and stay connected through the Watch Duty app and local news outlets.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Dangerous fire weather conditions are expected to peak Saturday with red flag warnings in effect statewide.

Peak wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph will be possible around the state with high wind gusts of 60 mph expected over southwest Chaves County. Blowing dust will also be a concern.

The winds and critical fire weather will likely subside Sunday and end by Memorial Day. It is still expected to be dry and breezy.

Click on the video above for Meteorologist Brandon Richard’s full forecast.

MORE:

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.