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Daily Update: Evacuations levels reduced on the Blue 2 Fire 06-03-2024
Blue 2 Fire
Publication Type: News - 06/03/2024 - 07:45
Evacuations levels reduced on the Blue 2 Fire
Daily Update: June 3, 2024
Acres: 7,495 Start Date: May 16, 2024
Location: 8 miles North of Ruidoso, White Mountain Wilderness Area Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 570 Fuels: Timber/Grass/Brush
Containment: 59%
Resources: 10 crews | 22 engines | 8 helicopters | 3 bulldozers | 7 Water Tenders
Highlights: After a coordinated effort between Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Services and fire managers, evacuation levels have decreased. Firefighting equipment and personnel will still be working in these areas. For safety of public and firefighters, be safe and use caution while driving throughout the area. The previously evacuated neighborhoods are restricted to resident access and fire personnel. With the reduction of evacuations, the Emergency Operations Center will reduce hours of operation from 7 am to 7 pm and the Red Cross shelter in Capitan will close today at noon due to the reduction.
Operations: Yesterday, fire crews monitored the fire for spotting potential and new sources of heat due to the weather conditions. Mop up continued around the fire to increase containment along the perimeter. Structure protection crews were in the surrounding neighborhoods patrolling and maintaining structure protection equipment. Infrared drones detected minimal heat near the perimeter and interior of the fire. Today, pumps and sprinklers that have been in the neighborhoods will start to be cleared. Mopping up and monitoring the fire will continue through the upcoming days.
Weather: Yesterday was a near critical fire day with warm and windy conditions. The winds contributed to reduced humidity and drying out the fine fuels. No significant fire activity was experienced despite the weather.
High temperatures and low humidity will continue throughout Wednesday.
Smoke: Barring any significant fire growth, we should only see periods of light smoke particularly around Bonito and Capitan. Today will be the last smoke outlook produced for the Blue 2 Fire. The interactive smoke map can still be found at fire.airnow.gov/
Closures: In the interest of public safety, camping and other recreation activities in the Bonito Lake Area are still restricted due to ongoing firefighting activities. The Forest Closure Order will continue to remain in effect for the White Mountain Wilderness Area.
Evacuations: The Village of Capitan, Enchanted Forest, and Alto communities are no longer in the “Ready” status. The Cora Dutton, Ranchman’s Camp, Sun Valley, and Sierra Vista communities are now in a “Ready” status. The Villa Madonna, Bonito Lake, Loma Grande, and Nogal Canyon communities are now in a “Set” status, and all “Go” Evacuation notices have been lifted. For an interactive evacuation map go to tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs
Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. Find the TFR at tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/
