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Lincoln County Emergency Services releases evacuation level reduction for the Blue 2 Fire 06-02-2024
Blue 2 Fire
Publication Type: Announcement - 06/02/2024 - 16:30
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2024
Starting at 4:00 PM, June 2, 2024, crucial changes in evacuation levels will occur for the Blue 2 Fire. While the “Ready, Set, Go!” Evacuation Alerts are shifting, it remains of the utmost importance for citizens and visitors in these areas to stay informed about the ongoing fire situation and make the best decision for their safety. If you feel unsafe at any moment, you have the ability and power to self-evacuate.
After a coordinated effort between the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southwest Incident Management Team 3:
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. Firefighting equipment and personnel are still in these areas; please slow down and use caution.
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 United States Forest Closure Order will continue to remain in effect from the White Mountain Wilderness Area until August 23, 2024.
As a reminder, citizens and visitors should know the evacuation levels and follow the advice of emergency officials. If you are not already signed up for local emergency alerts, do so now! Text “LINCOLNNMALERTS” to 99411 for Lincoln County Alerts, and “ALERTRUIDOSO” to 38276 for Village of Ruidoso Alerts.
Once home, perform these safety checks:
- Look for hot spots, smoldering areas, and vegetation on your property.
- Inspect the roof and outer parts of your house for any sparks or embers.
- Search the attic and all rooms for hidden sparks or embers.
- Examine your home for fire damage. Ensure all appliances are off and the main circuit breakers are safe and turn on.
- Check your water supply system, like wells or pump houses, to ensure they work.
For more information about returning home after a wildfire, visit www.afterwildfirenm.org
As we know all too well here in Lincoln County, wildfires impact our watershed. With monsoon season on the horizon, the time to prepare for Flash Flooding and Debris Flows is now. Have an evacuation plan, restock your emergency kit, and stay weather- aware by following trusted forecasts like the National Weather Service Albuquerque Forecast Office, www.weather.gov/abq. Typically, standard insurance does not cover flooding, so individuals and businesses downstream of the Blue 2 Fire need to reassess their flood risk and visit www.floodsmart.gov.
In a proactive effort, Lincoln County OES will conduct sandbagging operations in the coming weeks to help the public prepare for monsoon season.
Re-entering your home after a wildfire can be an emotional experience filled with uncertainty. If you need someone to talk to, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800- 985-5990 to speak with a trained counselor.
Monitor Lincoln County Fire Service's and Blue 2 Fire Information's Facebook pages for additional updates, and visit www.tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs for an interactive evacuation map.
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