EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Blue 2 Fire was listed at 7,495 acres with 59 percent containment on Monday, June 3, according to the New Mexico State Forestry Division.
On Sunday, June 2, the fire was reported at 7,457 acres with 54 percent containment.
The Forestry Division says evacuation levels have decreased. However, the public should still use caution while driving throughout the area.
The Forestry Division says the Emergency Operations Center will reduce hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the Red Cross shelter in Capitan will close at noon Monday due to the reduction in evacuations.
“The Village of Capitan, Enchanted Forest, and Alto communities are no longer in the “Ready” status. The Cora Dutton, Ranchman’s Camp, Sun Valley, and Sierra Vista communities are now in a “Ready” status. The Villa Madonna, Bonito Lake, Loma Grande, and Nogal Canyon communities are now in a “Set” status, and all “Go” Evacuation notices have been lifted,” the Forestry Division said.
The previously evacuated neighborhoods are still restricted to resident access and fire personnel, according to the Forestry Division.
The Forestry Division says residents in the area could see periods of light smoke particularly around Bonito Lake and Capitan. Monday will be the last smoke outlook produced for the Blue 2 Fire.
You can view an interactive smoke map here: fire.airnow.gov/.
Camping and other recreation activities in the Bonito Lake Area are still restricted and the forest closure order will remain in effect for the White Mountain Wilderness Area.
There are currently 570 personnel at the site with 10 crews, 22 engines, eight helicopters, three bulldozers and seven water tenders.
The fire was caused by lightning on Thursday, May 16 and is located in the White Mountain Wilderness area, which is 8 miles north of Ruidoso.
“Yesterday, fire crews monitored the fire for spotting potential and new sources of heat due to the weather conditions. Mop up continued around the fire to increase containment along the perimeter. Structure protection crews were in the surrounding neighborhoods patrolling and maintaining structure protection equipment. Infrared drones detected minimal heat near the perimeter and interior of the fire. Today, pumps and sprinklers that have been in the neighborhoods will start to be cleared. Mopping up and monitoring the fire will continue through the upcoming days,” the Forestry Division said.
For the latest information on evacuations, click here.
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