2021 New Mexico wildfires
| 2021 New Mexico wildfires | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Total fires | 363 (As of June 9) |
| Total area | 121,277 acres (49,079 ha) |
| Impacts | |
| Deaths | 1[1] |
| Damage | Unknown |
← 2020
2022 → | |
The 2021 New Mexico wildfire season began in February 7, 2021. As of July 7, there have been at least 363 fires across the state that have burned at least 121,277 acres (49,079 ha).[2][3]
Background
[edit]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.[4]
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.[4]
Early outlook
[edit]In line with general predictions of a ‘very active wildfire season’ for the Western United States,[5] state and local officials in New Mexico expect a particularly severe wildfire season for the state, citing effects of the ongoing drought conditions that make vegetation more susceptible to fires.[6] Southwest Coordination Center Predictive Services forecasted an 'above normal' risk for significant wildland fires for May and June for the entire state, with fire potential returning to 'normal' by July with the timely arrival of a normal to above-normal monsoon.[7]
List of wildfires
[edit]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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culebra | Torrance | 1,462 | February 27 | February 28 | [8] | |
| Three Rivers | Lincoln | 5,854 | April 26 | June 21 | Unknown cause | [9][10] |
| Cuervito | San Miguel | 1,621 | May 9 | June 18 | Lightning-caused; managed for ecological benefit. | [11][12][13] |
| Doagy | Catron | 12,785 | May 14 | June 3 | Lightning-caused; managed for ecological benefit. | [14][15] |
| Johnson | Grant, Catron | 88,918 | May 20 | July 23 | Lightning-caused; managed for ecological benefit. | [16][17] |
| Eicks | Hidalgo | 900 | May 24 | June 3 | Unknown cause; 1 firefighter fatality | [1] |
| Poso | Rio Arriba | 2,057 | May 29 | June 29 | Lightning-caused; managed for ecological benefit. | [18][19][20] |
| Amargo | Rio Arriba | 1,296 | August 7 | August 23 | [21] |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Eicks Fire 100% contained, burns about 900 acres in the Animas Mountains". KRQE. June 3, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- ^ Melhado, William (June 9, 2021). "Good Fire: In an already intense fire season, cultural stewardship of the flame on Indigenous land heats up". Santa Fe Reporter. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
- ^ Bassler, Hunter (July 13, 2021). "Arizona wildfires have burned more acres than the next four most-burned states combined, officials say". KPNX. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
- ^ a b "New Mexico Fire Season: In-Depth Guide". wfca.com. Western Fire Chiefs Association. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
- ^ "Western states brace for 'very active wildfire season' following warm, dry winter". NBC News. April 2, 2021. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ Traxler, Victoria (March 28, 2021). "Experts predict bad year for New Mexico wildfires". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
- ^ "2021 Fire Season Considerations and Outlook". Southwest Coordination Center. May 3, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
- ^ "Culebra Fire near Albuquerque, New Mexico - Current Incident Information and Wildfire Map | Fire, Weather & Avalanche Center". FireWeatherAvalanche.org. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
- ^ "Three Rivers Fire burns 5,854 acres, 100% contained". KRQE. June 22, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ "Three Rivers Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System". inciweb.nwcg.gov. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
- ^ "Cuervito Fire Information". InciWeb. May 22, 2021.
- ^ "SW Morning Situation Report (SMSR)". Southwest Coordination Center. National Interagency Fire Center. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
- ^ Clarm, Carol (June 3, 2021). "Final Update On Cuervito Fire Near Pecos". Los Alamos Daily Post. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
- ^ "Doagy Fire Information". InciWeb. June 3, 2021.
- ^ "Doagy Fire - May 17, 2021 Update". Gila National Forest. May 17, 2021. Archived from the original on June 25, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ "Johnson Fire Information". InciWeb. June 23, 2021.
- ^ "Johnson Fire Update for June 21, 2021". Gila National Forest. June 21, 2021. Archived from the original on August 8, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ "Poso Fire Information". InciWeb. June 23, 2021.
- ^ "National Interagency Coordination Center Incident Management Situation Report Tuesday, June 29, 2021– 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 4" (PDF). nifc.gov. June 29, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
- ^ "Carson National Forest to Manage Poso Fire for Resource Benefit". Carson National Forest. June 3, 2022. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ "National Interagency Coordination Center Incident Management Situation Report Monday, August 23, 2021– 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 5" (PDF). nifc.gov. August 23, 2021. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2022.