Single Publication

Update: Yesterday's Red Flag conditions created increased smoke and fire activity from the Blue 2 Fire that is currently burning in the White Mountain Wilderness area. The fire size is currently estimated at 1,478 acres, but a heavy smoke layer makes an accurate estimate difficult. Crews remained on the fire throughout the night last night. The fire continues to burn dead and down trees and standing dead trees (snags) that were left after the Little Bear fire in 2012.

Today's operations will consist of air and ground operations. Expect to see aircraft as weather permits. Ground Operations are shifting to operating day & night. A Complex Incident Management Team was ordered last night at midnight and is currently enroute.

As was dictated last night by fire behavior, Lincoln County activated an Emergency Contact Center: (575) 336-8600 and there is currently an emergency shelter, and animal emergency shelter in  ace.

Lincoln County Fire Service advises citizens to sign up for CodeRed (see link below) even if you are not impacted by this fire, it is an important resource for local residents.

Current Evacuations issued by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office are under effect for Bonito Lake

Rd, Forest Service Road 108, and Forest Service Road 107. At this time, the Angus Area, Villa Madonna, Sierra Vista & Sun Valley subdivisions on the west side of Hwy48 should also be ready for evacuations. Operations Emergency Services has established an evacuation reception center at the Capitan Fairgrounds.

Please keep 911 open and available for emergencies.

There will be a public meeting Friday (May 24, 2024) evening at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso NM.

Start Date I Time: May 17, 2024, approximately 3:45 p.m.

Cause: Lightning

Size: Blue 2 Fire: Estimated 1,478 acres

Location: White Mountain Wilderness

Resources: 88 Personnel, more EnRoute Vegetation/Fuels: Dead and dead/down trees Containment: 0%

Tactic: Full Suppression

Smoke: Moderate / Wind Influenced Smoke

Evacuation: Go Now: Bonito Lake Road, Forest Service Road 108, Forest Service Road 107 

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

                  Be Ready: Angus Area

Shelters: Lincoln County Fairgrounds / 101 5th St. Capitan NM 88316

Animal Shelters: Humane Society of Lincoln County I 25962 US Hwy 70 Ruidoso NM 88345

Area Closures: Part of White Mountain Wilderness Area, See link for more information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/nmlnf-blue-2-fire/-closure-update-for-trails-on­ white-mountain-wilderness-area-05-22-2024

More Information:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LincolnNationalForest NM Fire Info: www.NMFirelnfo.com

lnciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmlnf-blue-2-fire

Lincoln County CodeRed: bit.ly/4bwMk8n