Rain, snow help with containing Blue Front Fire

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — The arrival of winter weather in the area around Ruidoso helped fire crews in their efforts to battle and contain the Blue Front Fire, the U.S. Forest Service said in an update issued on Friday, Nov. 8.

The fire, which is located 9 miles northwest of Ruidoso in the Blue 2 Fire footprint from this summer, remains at 323 acres and 90 percent containment, the Forest Service said.

"The arrival of winter weather, including rain and snow, significantly affected the Blue Front Fire resulting in minimal to no fire behavior," the Forest Service said.

The fire area received snowfall ranging from 6 to 9 inches.

The Forest Service also said this would be the final update issued to regional media "unless significant fire activity occurs," they said.

The fire started on Oct. 28 and the cause has not been determined yet.

Seven firefighters with an engine remain on scene and continue with "full suppression with direct and indirect tactics," the Forest Service said.

"An engine will remain assigned to the fire and will assess the conditions on the ground. Yesterday's forecasted weather did materialize and the entire fire area received rain and snow. The fire remains at 90% containment. Heavy fuels that remain in the fire area and are capable of retaining heat even under snow," the Forest Service said.

Drone flights have been canceled because of the changing weather conditions, the Forest Service said. If needed, drone missions will resume under more favorable weather conditions to do reconnaissance to identify heat sources and any changes in the perimeter, the Forest Service said.