New Mexico Wildfire Update - Blue 2, Indios fires
George Ducker
Communications Coordinator
New Mexico State Forestry Division - EMNRD
george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-0601
Wildfire Notification #11
The New Mexico Forestry Division would like to update you on two wildfires that are requiring the attention of federal, state, and local resources in New Mexico. The Blue 2 and Indios fires are burning on public lands and are being managed by Complex Incident Management Teams.
Blue 2 Fire
Highlights: Firefighters continue to use multiple tactics to fully suppress the fire. Hotshots have been igniting fuels by hand near Bonito Creek Campground on the northwest side of the fire to bring the fire safely down to the road. They are also setting up sprinklers near the intersection of Tanbark Canyon road and the 107 road. On Soldier Mountain, hotshots connected handline all the way around the spot that is north of the 107 road and will continue reinforcing this line. Crews are also removing fuels in preparation to build more fireline using bulldozers along the Forest Service boundary. Sprinklers and hoses set up in Villa Madonna are tested daily and supplied with water. Retardant was dropped on the southern side of the fire to allow crews to continue working along the fire’s edge. On the southwest side of the fire, crews are improving the Crest Trail to use as a holding feature if needed. The public should expect to see smoke across the fire area.
Fire Activity: Smoke will be visible during the day because of active fire burning within the fire area.
Weather: Breezy winds continue with very dry and hot temperatures.
Closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices
Evacuations: For the latest information: https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/news_detail_T2_R25.php
For Ready, Set, Go Status definitions, please visit: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/
Fire Information Phone Number: 575-386-5077; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Media Phone Number: 575-386-5108; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Email address: 2024.blue2@firenet.gov
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Acres : 7,402
Start Date : May 16, 2024
Location : White Mountain Wilderness approximately 8 miles North of Ruidoso
Personnel: 643
Cause: Lightning
Containment : 0%
Fuels : Timber (litter and understory)
Resources : 12 crews | 38 engines | 7 helicopters | 9 bulldozers | 10 Water Tenders
Map of the Blue 2 fire
Evacuation map of the Blue 2 fire
Topographical map of the Blue 2 fire
Smoke Outlook for Blue 2 fire.
Indios Fire
Highlights : Fire managers have updated their assessment of accomplishments and increased to 5% completion of operational objectives for the Indios Fire.
The incident management team will provide an opportunity for the public to meet with fire managers and ask questions about the Indios Fire at an open house on Thursday, May 30, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the lecture hall at the Coronado High School, 1903 NM-96, Gallina, NM.
Operations : Yesterday, firefighters observed increased fire activity on the western side due to light winds, warmer temperatures, and drier conditions. Aircraft with infrared sensors flew at 16,000 feet above ground level to detect and monitor fire growth to inform firefighting actions. The fire moved south down the interior edge of the fire area while crews worked to strategically apply a low intensity burn ahead of the main fire to prevent southern movement past Forest Road 77. Fire behavior specialists predict the fire will continue to slowly advance through the planned confinement area as the fire naturally aligns with winds and deep canyons. Firefighters are using several helicopters to drop water to cool the fire’s intensity, slow its progress, and reduce smoke impacts. As crews continue working, Resource Advisors are assisting firefighters in identifying and avoiding impacts to sensitive cultural and wildlife resources. To minimize dust impacts to communities, fire engines are applying water to highly traveled dirt roads, including Forest Road 8.
Weather : Humidity increased significantly overnight, however, as temperatures increase later today, conditions are expected to dry out. Along with potential thunderstorm activity over northeastern New Mexico, these conditions are expected to bring increased winds and a 10% chance of precipitation in the fire area today.
Smoke : Smoke from the Indios Fire is visible from surrounding communities. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Learn more about smoke impacts on the New Mexico Environment Department website at https://www.env.nm.gov/air-quality/fire-smoke-links/ . An interactive smoke map at
https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. Daily smoke reports are posted on Inciweb and the social media pages below.
Closures : The Santa Fe National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Indios Fire. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety and the safety of all personnel working on the fire. The full closure order (No. 03-12-05-23-22) and map are available on Inciweb. Camping and water will be available at the Coyote Ranger Station for Continental Divide Trail hikers impacted by this closure.
Safety : The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should stay away from Indios Fire operations. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at:
https://uas.nifc.gov/ .
More Information : inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmsnf-indios-wildfire /
575-323-2290 / x.com/SantafeNF / facebook.com/santafeNF / 2024.indios@firenet.gov
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Acres : 5,487 Start Date: May 19, 2024
Location : 7 miles north of the village of Coyote, NM…