EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Blue 2 Fire grew two more acres with 5 percent containment on Friday, May 31, according to the New Mexico Forestry Division.
The fire was listed at 7,455 acres on Thursday, May 30, and the fire is now at 7,457 with 5 percent containment, according to the Forestry Division.
The Forestry Division says firefighters achieved 5 percent containment on the southern side of Soldier Mountain. However, the fire danger level has been increased to “Very High” and “Stage 2 Fire Restrictions” have been implemented.
The Forestry Division says the Lincoln National Forest issued an emergency area closure for the fire and a temporary flight restriction is in place over the area.
The fire was caused by lightning on May 16 and is located in the White Mountain Wilderness area which is 8 miles north of Ruidoso.
There are currently 785 personnel at the site with 31 engines, eight helicopters, 12 water tenders, and nine bulldozers assisting with the operation.
The Forestry Division says most of the smoke that was lingering around areas closest to the fire has cleared out and areas such as Bonito Lake and Capitan can expect good air quality.
The Forestry Division says the road closure on State Road 37 from State Road 48 to U.S. Route 380 was lifted by New Mexico Police on Thursday afternoon, May 30.
“Structure protection personnel continue to work on setting up pumps and sprinklers for the communities east of the Forest Service boundary. Bonito Lake structure protection has been completed but will continue to be patrolled. Fire crews worked with helicopters yesterday around Monjeau Peak to successfully extinguish hotspots. Heavy equipment is being used along the forest boundary as well as on the northern section of the fire to make sure the communities have a safe secondary line in place,” the Forestry Division said.
For the latest information on evacuations, click here.
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