EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Blue 2 Fire remains at 7,457 acres with 14 percent containment on Saturday, June 1, according to a press release sent by the New Mexico State Forestry Division.
As of Friday, May 31, the fire was reported to be at 7,457 acres with five percent containtment.
The Forestry Division said that Friday’s moderate weather assisted firefighters in completing additional containment.
The southern end of Soldier Mountain gained more containment line as mop up work continued in the area by fire crews on the ground. Additional containment line was achieved on the fire perimeter west of Granite Knob, according to the Forestry division.
Smoke production has decreased due to minimal fire activity, according to the Forestry Division.
The Forestry Division said thunderstorms predicted outside of the fire perimeter will produce downflow winds that could move some light smoke into surrounding areas. You can view an interactive smoke map here.
Lincoln National Forest issued an emergency area closure for the fire and a temporary flight restriction is in place over the area, according to the forestry Division.
Evacuation levels remain unchanged. Evacuation shelters are expected to stay open over the weekend.
“Effort is continually being made by fire crews to ensure that the fire perimeter is safe before repopulation of the surrounding communities,” read the press release.
In addition, there are a total of 802 personnel at the site with 17 crews, 32 engineers, eight helicopters, three bulldozers and 12 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, according to the Forestry Division.
For the latest information on evacuations, click here.
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