Lincoln National Forest Has Issued Stage Two Fire Restrictions

Photo by2nd Life Media

Per the most recent update as a result of wind, dry weather and the Blue 2 Fire Lincoln National Forest officials have increased the fire danger rating to ‘very high’, and will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Thursday, May 30 at 8 a.m. due to increased fire danger across the forest. The fire danger rating and restrictions will apply to all three districts.

Under a “very high” fire danger rating, fires can start easily from most causes. The fire may spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity immediately after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme behavior, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires.

The Stage 2 restrictions are enforceable by law, and will remain in effect until Forest Service officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts when visiting the Lincoln:

AT ALL TIMES:

1. Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including charcoal and briquettes anywhere within Lincoln National Forest, including Developed Recreation Sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.

2. Smoking outside (see Exemptions #4 below).

3. Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

FROM 9 AM to 6 PM:

1. Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. (See Exemptions #3 below)

EXEMPTIONS DURING STAGE 2:

1. Residents using motorized vehicles on the Forest Roads listed under motorized restriction to the extent necessary to access their private property.

2. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

3. Using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.

4. Smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a Developed Recreation Site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.

5. Persons operating generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.

6. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.

Violation of fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

For more information regarding the fire restrictions closure order and an accompanying map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices/?aid=87781days

Blue 2 Fire Morning Update June 1, 2024 as per Fire New Mexico...

Firefighters continue containment progress to prepare for forecasted weather on the Blue 2 Fire

Fire Information Phone Number: (575) 386-5077; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Media Phone Number: 575-386-5108; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Acres: 7,457

Start Date: May 16, 2024

Location: White Mountain Wilderness approximately 8 miles North of Ruidoso

Personnel: 802

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 14%

Fuels: Timber (litter and understory)

Resources: 17 crews | 32 engines | 8 helicopters | 3 bulldozers | 12 Water Tenders

Highlights: Yesterday experienced moderate weather which assisted firefighters in completing additional containment. The southern end of Soldier Mountain gained more containment line as mop up work continued in the area by fire crews on the ground. Additional containment line was achieved on the fire perimeter west of Granite Knob. Firefighters are working hard to be able to mop up along the fire’s edge to prepare for the forecasted hot and dry weather early next week.

Operations: Yesterday, fire crews continued mopping up and securing lines along the 107 A road and Soldier Mountain. Heavy equipment has been successful in progressing the contingency lines that surround the fire. Structure protection will continually have a presence throughout the surrounding communities on both day and night shifts to ensure that communities are being monitored for any changes to the fire. Mop up and patrol continues across the entire fire perimeter. Pumps, sprinklers, and water sources are being used to support structure protection and mop up efforts. Handline on the eastern forest boundary near Enchanted Forest and Sun Valley continue to progress.

Weather: Yesterday, humidity was high during the day until late afternoon which assisted firefighters to continue working safely around the perimeter. Storm clouds were seen at the eastern edge of the fire area, however the fire did not receive any moisture. During the evening there was a drop in humidity due to southwesterly winds that dried out fine fuels. Today, higher humidity and wind is expected. Storm clouds will be seen during the day around the eastern side of the fire. Even though wind and storm clouds are expected, a major increase in fire behavior is not expected.

Smoke: Smoke production has decreased due to minimal fire activity. Thunderstorms predicted outside of the fire perimeter will produce downflow winds that could move some light smoke into surrounding areas. View an interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/

Closures: The Lincoln National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Blue 2 Fire. The closure order (No.03-08-24-0001) and map are available on Inciweb and the Lincoln National Forest website.

Evacuations: Evacuation levels remain unchanged. Evacuation shelters are expected to stay open over the weekend. Effort is continually being made by fire crews to ensure that the fire perimeter is safe before repopulation of the surrounding communities. 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/

#blue2fire #fireyear2024 U.S. Forest Service - Lincoln National Forest @Lincoln County Fire Service