Blue 2 Fire Update, June 11, 2024

Source of Heat Identified and Mitigated for Firefighter Safety on the Blue 2 Fire

Daily Update: June 11, 2024

Acres: 7,532                                                                                                    

Start Date: May 16, 2024

Location: 8 miles North of Ruidoso, White Mountain Wilderness Area               

Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 135                                                                                                   

Fuels: Timber/Grass/Brush

Containment: 88%                                                                                              

Resources: 1 Crew | 2 Engines | 3 Water Tenders | 2 Masticators

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters were able to gain access near the fire perimeter north of Buck Mountain on foot and identified an ash pit as the source of smoke that was previously visible. Ash pits are created when a fire begins to consume underground fuels. These pits present hazards for firefighters because they create a superheated ash-filled space, often indistinguishable from the surface. Firefighters can fall into the ashpits and experience significant burn injuries. For firefighter safety, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) pilots will continue to monitor the area for heat sources toward the uncontained perimeter of the fire as direct access continues to be difficult. Contingency lines have been constructed that surround the uncontained perimeter in a safer and more accessible area for firefighters to work in. A grader and mini excavator arrived to help firefighters with repair and mastication along the eastern contingency line working west toward Loma Grande. Dozer lines are also being repaired inside Soldier Mountain by crews filling lines with brush to return constructed lines to a more natural state. Backhaul of the excess equipment from the completed sections of the fire will continue throughout the week. Law enforcement will keep a presence to enforce the forest closure so firefighters can safely complete their work.

Weather: Yesterday, the fire area experienced small amounts of moisture from nearby showers and storms. Storms may bring dry lightning, gusty and erratic winds, rain, and even small hail. Today, a warming and drying trend is forecast through the rest of the week as high pressure builds over the region. Fire behavior is expected to be minimal smoldering in the few areas with a heat source interior to the fire perimeter.

Smoke: Smoke from the fire’s interior can produce limited smoke throughout the day that may impact the surrounding areas, which depend on wind. The interactive smoke map can still be found at fire.airnow.gov/

Closures: Due to ongoing firefighter activities, the Bonito Lake Area is still restricted in the interest of public safety. The Forest closure order will remain in effect for the White Mountain Wilderness Area.

Evacuations: All evacuation statuses have been lifted. For an interactive evacuation map, go to tinyurl.com/Blue2Evacs