The Alamogordo City Commission Met in Special Session Blue 2 Fire Bonito Lake

Bonito Lake, located in Ruidoso, New Mexico, is a popular fishing spot for tourists and nearby residents, but most importantly, it is Alamogordo and Holloman Air Force Base's primary source of water.

The Little Bear Fire that began from lightning in June 2012 persisted for two months. It burned nearly 45,000 acres and 254 buildings and as a result the water supply has not be utilized by the city of Alamogordo for over a decade due to cleanup of the soot, silt and fire debris from the fire. Step forward to Memorial Day weekend 2024 and the lake was finally scheduled to open but then a small 96 acre fire was sparked and suddenly has spun out of control.

The Blue 2 Fire has now grown that surrounds Bonito Lake. Per todays update from New Mexico Fire, "the Blue 2 Fire is an active wildfire burning in the White Mountain Wilderness of Lincoln National Forest, Lincoln County, NM. Firefighters have achieved 5% containment on the Blue 2 Fire, which started on May 16, 2024, due to lightning in White Mountain Wilderness, 8 miles north of Ruidoso. The fire covers 7,457 acres with 785 personnel working. Resources include 17 crews, 31 fire engines, 8 helicopters, 9 bulldozers, and 12 water tenders. State Road 37 is closed, and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Efforts focus on protecting structures and creating secondary fire lines. Smoke levels have improved, with minimal growth expected. Evacuation levels remain unchanged. Temporary flight restrictions are in place."

As a result the Alamogordo City Commission met today in special session to declare a state of emergency to the propertuse controlled by the City of Alamogordo within the fire zone. That state of emergency decleration status opens up the ability for the city of Alamogordo and Holloman to utilize state and federal money and FEMA money for rehabilitation of the lake area again once the fire is under contro. This was a proactive and timely move on the part of the city to ensure the watershed and the lake which is supposed to be the primary drinking source for Alamogordo is eligible for funding when needed for recovery and restoration.

More News from Alamogordo

• Recall ordered for Cannabis Products Sold Locally and Around New Mexico Cannabis product recall
• Regional Sports Update and Alamogordo High Tiger Athlete of the Week Tiger Athlete of the week, volleyball, soccer and more...