INCIDENT SUMMARY

Photo Credit: Blue 2 Fire Facebook Page

A wildfire called the Blue 2 Fire is burning about eight (8) miles north of Ruidoso, New Mexico in the White Mountain Wilderness of the Lincoln National Forest, which is said to be caused by lightning.

The fire ignited on May 16, 2024, and has been continually burning ever since.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

There are currently 170 crews, 42 engines, five helicopters, and two bulldozers with a total of 475 personnel.

The Central Arizona Fire & Medical unit currently has three members assigned under the CAFMA which consists of a Task Force Leader, a Medical Unit Leader, and a Heavy Equipment Boss.

Management of the fire was assumed by the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 (SWAIMT) with Matt Rau, as the Incident Commander (IC) at the helm as of 0600 hours this morning.

Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services is continually posting updated information on evacuations.

U.S. Forest Service (USDA) has about 259 personnel with more en route to the fire line.

CURRENT STATUS

The fire is said to have burned about 6,213 acres of timber litter and understory and has a 0% containment status.

According to Fire Officials with the U.S. Forest Service, there have been no lives or structures lost today.

Fire weather conditions appear to be intense as has been creating challenges for ground crews and those battling this wildfire from the air. A spot fire the size of one acre occurred in the Dry Mills Canyon area, as well as another one currently at 100 acres on Soldier Mountain.

EVACUATIONS & SHELTER INFORMATION

Evacuations are in effect for the following areas: (this is a fluid listing and may change from update to update due to ever-changing conditions).

LEVEL 3 EVACUATIONS (Go Now!)

  • Lorna Grande
  • Bonito Lake Road
  • Forest Service Roads 108, 107, and 127A
  • Villa Madonna Subdivision
  • The area along 523 Ski Run Road

LEVEL 2 EVACUATIONS (Get Set):

  • Sierra Vista Subdivision
  • Sun Valley Subdivision
  • Angus Communities west of NM 48 East of NM 37
  • Ski Run RoadAlto area
  • Eagle Creek Sports Complex
  • Cora Dutton Area

LEVEL 1 EVACUATIONS (Be Ready):

  • East of Enchanted Loop Communities
  • North towards Nogal
  • Village of Capital

A Red Cross Shelter has been relocated from the Lincoln County Fairgrounds to the Capitan High School now located at 519 Smokey Bear Boulevard, Capitan, New Mexico 88316.

The Lincoln County Fairgrounds will continue as an evacuation center for animals is being operated by the Local CERT Team.

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog