Blue 2 Fire Continues to Rage, Zero Containment, 7455 acres and Growing

Blue 2 fire continues out of control, zero containmentPhoto by2nd Life Media

The Blue 2 Fire in the Lincoln National Forest near Ruidoso continues to spread and is still at zero containment. An update from the government of Ruidoso stated that; ”the Blue 2 Fire is an active wildfire burning in the White Mountain Wilderness of Lincoln National Forest, Lincoln County, NM. Since its detection on May 16, 2024, the fire has expanded to 7,455 acres, situated approximately 8 miles north of Ruidoso. Resources employed include 699 personnel, 13 crews, 41 engines, 8 helicopters, 9 bulldozers, and 11 Water Tenders. Efforts include clearing debris and protecting structures. Firefighters have burned out areas in Runnels using aerial ignitions to strengthen firelines. A hotshot crew and rappelling firefighters worked on the southeastern side, building handlines to halt the fire spread. Resources focused on cooling hotspots and reinforcing firelines. Environmental challenges include steep terrain and changing winds.”

The update from 5-30-24 from New Mexico fire upgraded the restrictions in Lincoln National Forest to phase 2 restrictions due to significant fire danger, winds and dry conditions with a spreading fire via the Blue 2 Fire.

New Mexico Fire reports; ”Firefighters continue to reassess and improve structure protection efforts previously put in place. Crews are using existing features when possible, when creating handlines, such as trail systems, old roads, and rock formations. Hand tools, bulldozers, masticators, and aerial resources are being used to create control lines. Crews are extinguishing parts of the fireline that have been holding heat over the past few days and ensuring the area is cool to the human touch. Environmental challenges of working on this fire include inaccessibility to some areas of the fire’s edge, steep terrain, hot temperatures, and changing wind directions during the day.”

The fire continues with zero containment and evacuation orders still in place. The town of Capitan which hosts a fire evacuation center has been placed into ready status. As of May 30, the New Mexico Red Cross Chapter reported no persons had utilized the shelter at Capitan High School located at 519 Smokey Bear Boulevard, said Red Cross Public Relations specialist Brianna Ventura. Ventura said at least 10 people had used the shelter at Lincoln County fairgrounds.

An evacuation center is located at the Capitan Fairgrounds at 101 5th Street in Capitan, New Mexico is accepting both people and animals. Pet owners can also shelter mall pets at the Lincoln County Humane Society located at 25962 U.S. 70 in Ruidoso.

The Red Cross emergency shelters provide a place to sleep, food, water and health services such as replacing lost prescriptions or glasses. Residents seeking shelter are allowed to bring bedding, clothing, medications, an emergency kit and a child's comfort toy, according to the Red Cross Emergency evacuation center page.

The Blue 2 Fire has burned 7,455 acres and remained uncontained as of May 30th, 2024.