Blue 2 wildfire grows to over 1,400 acres, prompts evacuations in Lincoln County
New Mexico officials warned residents that high weekend temperatures and forecasted winds are capable of spreading wildfires burning on public lands.
The Moser Fire and Blue 2 Fire, both ignited in the Lincoln National Forest, are being monitored by New Mexico Forestry officials.
"Elevated to critical fire weather conditions are expected through Memorial Day Weekend. Please be smart and try to avoid outdoor burning and starting campfires this Memorial Day weekend," according to a Wildfire Safety announcement by the National Weather Service.
Moser Fire is being held at 95 acres
The Moser Fire, burning just just four miles from Cloudcroft, began on May 20 is now 65% contained, according to fire officials. The fire is contained to 96 acres, according to the latest Lincoln National Forest news release from May 23.
Officials have warned residents in the area that they may see light smoke. Although evacuations were lifted May 22 all residents remain "ready" for evacuations according to the news release.
"Crews continue to monitor lines and look for hot spots and ensure the fire line is secure. Fire is continuing to smolder and creep within containment lines, but no new growth is present at this time," read the news release.
Previous coverage on both the Moser and Blue 2 fires:
Blue 2 Fire grows to over 1,400 acres
The Blue 2 fire that w as ignited on May 17 by a lightning strike has grown to approximately 1,478 acres.
Fire officials said no containment of the blaze had yet been reached, according to news release by the New Mexico State Forestry Division, as it burns within the White Mountain Wilderness area near Ruidoso and Alto, New Mexico.
"The fire continues to burn dead and down trees and standing dead trees that were left after the Little Bear fire in 2012," according to the release.
Officials warned residents in the area to expect aircraft throughout May 24 as hot shot crews and other teams continue to combat the fire while they focus on air and ground operations.
Lincoln County established and activated an emergency contact center at 575-336-8600. Current evacuations by Lincoln County Sheriff's Office include Bonito Lake Road, Forest Service Road 108, and Forest Service Road 107.
A shelter is open to evacuees at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds at 101 5th Street in Capitan, New Mexico. An animal shelter has been established at the Humane Society in Lincoln County found at U.S. Highway 70 in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
"At this time, the Angus Area, Villa Madonna, Sierra Vista and Sun Valley subdivisions on the west side of Highway 48 should also be ready for evacuations," according to the release.
The Lincoln County Fire services advised citizens in the area to sign up for CodeRed to receive updates on the fires happening in the area.
CodeRed releases community updates by government officials on things such as evacuation notices, fires or missing people.
Fire and smoke map of New Mexico
Juan Corral can be reached at JCorral@gannett.com or on twitter at @Juan36Corr.
This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Wildfires in Lincoln National Forest grow as temperatures heat up region
