Janice R. Andrews
NEW HAMILTON COUNTY, NM With the Blue 2 wildfire spreading quickly to around 1,478 acres, Lincoln County residents were ordered to evacuate as New Mexico officials issued a warning about circumstances being worse during the Memorial Day weekend. It is anticipated that strong winds and high temperatures will accelerate the spread of wildfires raging on public lands.
Authorities from the New Mexico Forestry are closely monitoring the Blue 2 Fire and the Moser Fire, which were both started in the Lincoln National Forest. Because of the heightened fire weather conditions for the holiday weekend, the National Weather Service has issued a Wildfire Safety alert advising folks to refrain from starting campfires and burning outdoors.
Update on the Moser Fire:
The Moser Fire, which started on May 20 and is only four miles from Cloudcroft, has burned 96 acres and is currently 65% contained. The most recent press release from Lincoln National Forest states that although there isn’t any fresh fire growth, locals may notice mild smoke. Residents are still on guard even though the evacuation orders were lifted on May 22.
The crews are still keeping an eye on the lines, looking for hot spots, and making sure the fire line is safe. According to the news release, “the fire is smoldering and creeping within containment lines.”
Escalates of Fire Blue 2:
After being started by a lightning strike on May 17, the 1,478-acre Blue 2 Fire has not been contained. Standing dead trees from the Little Bear fire in 2012 as well as dead and downed trees are being consumed by the fire. In the White Mountain Wilderness area close to Ruidoso and Alto, New Mexico, it is still burning.
On May 24, residents can prepare for a lot of aircraft activity as hot shot crews and other teams conduct both air and ground operations to put out the fire.
Emergency Response and Evacuations:
Lake Road, Forest Service Road 108, and Forest Service Road 107 are all under evacuation orders according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. A 575-336-8600 emergency contact center has been set up.
The Lincoln County Fairgrounds, at 101 5th Street in Capitan, New Mexico, provide shelter for evacuees. Furthermore, the Humane Society in Ruidoso, New Mexico, located on U.S. Highway 70, has established an animal shelter.
Additionally, residents on the west side of Highway 48 should get ready for possible evacuations in the Angus Area, Villa Madonna, Sierra Vista, and Sun Valley developments.
Signing up for CodeRed, which offers community updates from government officials, including evacuation notifications and fire updates, is highly recommended by Lincoln County Fire Services to the public.
As firefighters work to contain the Blue 2 and Moser fires, be safe and informed.
