Blue 2 Fire Update, June 12, 2024

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

Daily Update: June 12, 2024

Acres: 7,532                                                                                                    

Start Date: May 16, 2024

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

Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 118                                                                                                   

Fuels: Timber/Grass/Brush

Containment: 91%                                                                                              

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

Operations: Yesterday, fire managers were able to fly over the fire. The flight focused on assessing the status of the uncontained perimeter, which has been difficult to access. It was determined that the area of the western perimeter was not holding heat, and the percentage was increased to 91% containment. Smoldering within the fire’s interior, where downed trees can keep heat for longer, may cause limited smoke to be seen throughout the summer, depending on dry weather and wind. The repair work on Soldier Mountain has been completed, and firefighters are working to complete the rest of the planned repair work.

According to their scientific modeling, the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team released their Burn Severity Map, which showed 8% moderate burn severity and no high burn severity across the entire fire area. The team will work on proposed plans for the forest to assist in erosion control and promote native plant regrowth.

Weather: Sunshine and afternoon clouds are forecasted over the mountains. Overall, warming to above normal, fair overnight recovery, and lower afternoon relative humidity are to be expected. Winds will be light and favor a westerly component over high terrain and terrain influences over lower terrain.

Closures: The 532 road heading west toward Ski Apache is accessible until Indian Service Route 21. Fire traffic and construction crews are still in the area. In the interest of public safety, camping and other recreation activities in the Bonito Lake Area are still restricted due to ongoing firefighter activities. The Forest closure order will remain in effect for the White Mountain Wilderness Area. Law enforcement will have a presence to enforce the forest closure so firefighters can safely complete their work.

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/

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