2020 New Mexico wildfires

2020 New Mexico wildfires
Wildfire part of the 2020 New Mexico wildfire season
Date(s)June 2020 – October 2020
Statistics
Total fires>500
Season
2021 →
2020 Western U.S. wildfires
Multiple wildfires burning near the Pacific coast of the U.S. on September 9, 2020
Affected states
Background
Largest wildfire by state
  • Arizona - Bush (193,455 acres)
  • California - August Complex (1,032,648 acres)
  • Colorado - Cameron Peak (208,913 acres)
  • Nevada - Meadow Valley (59,265 acres)
  • New Mexico - Cub (25,950 acres)
  • Oregon - Santiam (402,274 acres)
  • Utah - East Fork (89,765 acres)
  • Washington - Pearl Hill (223,730 acres)

The 2020 New Mexico wildfire season began in May 2020. At least 543 wildfires burned across the state, with fires burning as late as October 2020.[1] The season was a part of the 2020 Western United States wildfire season.

Background

Further information: List of New Mexico wildfires

While "fire season" can vary every year in New Mexico based on weather conditions, most wildfires occur in from early May through June, before the monsoon season. However, there is an increasing fire risk year-round from climate change. Droughts are becoming more common partly from rising temperatures in the state that evaporate water from streams. Unpredictable monsoon levels can increase fire risks. New Mexico is prone to strong winds, and jet stream disruption from climate change can make them stronger. Intense winds contribute to drought, allow wildfires to spread, and dry out vegetation. Unique plant life and fine fuels in the state fuel wildfires, especially in the Eastern New Mexico grasslands. Rising temperatures will reduce snowpack and shorten the snowmelt season which can increase drought and wildfire severity.[2]

Overgrazing and logging in the late 1800s and over 100 years of strict fire suppression affected natural systems of New Mexico led to a growing wildfire risk and intensity. Scientists predict New Mexico's forests will gradually deteriorate, turning into shrublands as wildfires burn the forests.[2]

List of wildfires

The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), or produced significant structural damage or casualties.

Name County Acres Start date Containment date Notes Ref
West 380 Lea 1,689 January 9 January 9 Human-caused [3]
Pedro Guadalupe 1,017 April 6 April 6 Human-caused [3]
Moore Mora 3,800 May 2 May 2 Human-caused [3]
Sloan Canyon Union 1,173 May 23 May 29 Lightning-caused [3]
K107 Harding 1,355 June 6 June 6 Lightning-caused [3]
Turkey Grant 1,800 June 6 June 11 Lightning-caused [3]
Farm Camp San Miguel 22,872 June 6 June 14 Lightning-caused [3]
Uvas Doña Ana 1,135 June 6 June 14 Lightning-caused [3]
Good Grant 17,950 June 6 July 15 Lightning-caused [4][5]
Tadpole Grant 11,159 June 6 July 17 Lightning-caused [6]
Vics Peak Socorro 14,624 June 15 August 4 Threatened Mexican spotted owl habitat. Lightning-caused [7]
Cub Catron 25,950 June 28 July 30 Lightning-caused [8]
Naranjos Mora 2,580 July 15 July 15 Cause unknown [3]
Luna Taos, Mora 10,142 October 17 November 10 Campfire [9]

References

  1. ^ Traxler, Victoria (March 28, 2021). "Experts predict bad year for New Mexico wildfires". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "New Mexico Fire Season: In-Depth Guide". wfca.com. Western Fire Chiefs Association. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i National Large Incident Year-to-Date Report August 8, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023
  4. ^ "Good Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  5. ^ "Good Fire". Hazard Mapping System: Fire and Smoke. The Spectrum (Utah). Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  6. ^ "Tadpole Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  7. ^ "Vics Peak Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  8. ^ "Cub Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
  9. ^ Behrens, Zach (October 4, 2022). "Cause of 2020 Luna Fire Determined". Carson National Forest. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.


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