5-26-2024 12:30am

Blue 2 Fire Expanded Evacuations Continue, 2-25 7 pm Update

Chris Edwards Editor

The Blue 2 Fire acreage of burnt has been revised and more evacuations have been ordered as of 7 pm. No lives or structures have been lost to the Blue 2 Fire

The full suppression tactics employed on Saturday involved extensive ground operations, focusing on scouting control lines and beginning the construction of containment lines.

The Albuquerque Type 3 Zone Team will transition leadership to the Complex Incident Management Team 3, with Matt Rau assuming incident command.

High winds Saturday hindered aerial firefighting efforts. An infrared flight conducted on May 24 determined the current size of the fire, 3,249 acres. Smoke remains visible in Ruidoso and Capitan populated areas, and similar weather conditions are expected for the next operational period

A red flag warning was issued Saturday afternoon and is expected to extend through the weekend, indicating heightened fire danger due to strong winds and dry conditions.

Evacuation Notices:

Go Now:
- 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, off of Ski Run Road and the surrounding area along 523 Ski Run Road
Be Set:
- 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
- Cora Dutton Area
Be Ready:
- East of Enchanted Loop Communities
- North towards Nogal
- Village of Capitan

Shelters and Resources:

Shelters: Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 101 5th St., Capitan, NM 88316
Animal Shelters: Humane Society of Lincoln County, 25962 US Hwy 70, Ruidoso, NM 88345

Area Closures: Parts of the White Mountain Wilderness Area are currently closed. For more detailed information, please refer to the following link: Closure Update for Trails on White Mountain Wilderness Area - May 22, 2024

Fire Details: