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  →

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. "New Mexico Fire Season: In-Depth Guide". wfca.com. Western Fire Chiefs Association. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
3. 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.