Wildfire Notification #8 
 
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 a Complex Incident Management Team Type 3 and the US Forest Service, respectively.  
Maps in PDF format interspersed or at the bottom of the article. 
 
Blue 2 Fire
  
Highlights: The Blue 2 fire transitioned at 6 a.m. to a Complex Incident Management Team 3; Matt Rau, Incident Commander. Additional firefighters have arrived, and more resources are enroute. Firefighters are working along the most active parts of the fire where they can safely engage and are working both during the day and night. Air resources will be used for water and retardant drops on the fire as weather conditions allow. 
 
Fire Activity: The fire has been most active on the northeast and southern perimeters. An acre spot fire was detected in the Dry Mills Canyon and a 100-acre spot fire was detected on Solider mountain. 
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Acres: 6,213  
Start Date: May 16, 2024 
Location: White Mountain Wilderness approximately 8 miles North of Ruidoso 
Personnel: 475  
Cause: Lightning 
Containment: 0%  
Fuels: Timber (litter and understory) 
Resources: 170 crews | 42 engines | 5 helicopters | 2 bulldozers 
Weather: Historic wind events are occurring with dry conditions and high temperatures. 
Evacuations: For the latest information: https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/news_detail_T2_R25.php 
For Ready, Set, Go Status definitions, please visit: 
Fire Information Phone Number: (575) 386-5077; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
Media Phone Number: 575-386-9105; open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indios Fire 
Highlights: Fire information staff will be posted across the street from Bode's near the Post Office in Abiquiu on Sunday and Monday (May 26-27) from 12-1 p.m. to meet with members of the public and answer questions. The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4, Incident Commander Aaron Hulburd, will assume command of the fire on the morning of Monday, May 27. A CIMT comes with additional resources necessary to plan and manage this fire's long-term duration to meet the intent of letting fire play its natural role on the landscape. 
Fire Activity: Despite a Red Flag Warning yesterday and strong winds, the fire showed moderate activity and firelines held. Due to the varied terrain, the fire doesn't see constant sustained winds, allowing it to play its natural role in the landscape by cleaning up dead and down timber, brush, and needle cast. Because of the steep, rugged terrain, crews continue to build firelines utilizing roads and natural features where it makes sense. The fire continues to have good effects on the landscape as it works towards those lines. 
The Carson Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) worked at the head of a sub-drainage south of the fire, where they improved the line and held the strategic firing operations they had conducted over the past few days. The Santa Fe and Mount Taylor IHCs made progress working further south towards a chunk of private land within the National Forest boundary. This line is expected to be done in a few more days. The masticators continue working west of the fire, improving along FR 8. The Sandia Helitack is still working at the end of Mesa Gurule toward the private land. The Sacramento and Black Mesa IHCs continue to hold the line on the east side. They will assess additional strategic firing operations with the more favorable weather ahead. 
Weather and Smoke: The high temperature will be around 70 degrees, with minimum humidity around 13-17 percent. Winds will be west at 12-17 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Smoke is visible and local communities may experience smoke impacts along Highways 96, 112, and 84. For smoke impacts, visit www.fire.airnow.gov. 
Closures: Closure Order 03-10-01-24-02 is in place and includes all National Forest System lands within the boundary of the Coyote Ranger District starting from the Continental Divide trail #298 at Highway 96 going north across Forest Road (FR) 77, through the Chama River Canyon Wilderness to Skull Bridge (Ojitos Trail head) on FR 151. FR 11 northwest to the Chama River Canyon Wilderness boundary and Junction with FR 8; FR 169 (from junction with FR 11) south to FR 473; FR 473 south to FR 64; FR 64 South to the junction of FR 77; and FR 77 east to the Chama River Canyon Wilderness boundary. FR 77 from the Forest boundary and County Road 418 to the junction of FR 64 and FR 77. The Chama River Canyon Wilderness south of Rio Gallina and south of Rio Chama. Visit Inciweb for the full order and map. 
For CDT hikers impacted by this closure, camping and water will be available at the Coyote Ranger Station. 
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Acres: 2619 Start Date: 5/19/2024 Cause: Lightning 
Location: 7 miles north of the village of Coyote, N.M. Personnel: 204  
Containment: 0% 
Resources: 6 crews | 1 helicopter | 7 engines| 1 road grader | 2 masticators | 4 water tenders 
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR in place around the fire area. 
More Information: 575-323-2290 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | x.com/SantafeNF 
 
 
Weekend Safety 
Keeping in mind this high potential for wildfire through Memorial Day, the Forestry Division would like to remind everyone to be safe and aware of their surroundings this holiday weekend. 
 
Know before you go: When heading into the great outdoors, be sure to check the weather, and be sure to check and what restrictions are in place wherever you're choosing to go. A list of New Mexico State Parks fire restrictions can be found here.  
 
Once you're there: Be smart and be safe. Human-caused fires are the result of making bad decisions. Smoking, parking cars over tall grass, loose tow chains, and working outside with equipment: these are some of the biggest human causes of fire starts in New Mexico. In short -- be aware of your surroundings. Understand that the actions you take have consequences. Use good judgement.Â