![]() | This article needs to be updated.(April 2024) |
Significant 2023 New Mexico wildfires | |
---|---|
Statistics | |
Total fires | 13 |
Impacts | |
Damage | Unknown |
Season | |
← 2022 2024 → |
A series of wildfires burned throughout the U.S. state of New Mexico in 2023.
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. [1]
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. [1]
![]() | This section needs to be updated.(July 2024) |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mogote | Mora | 3,803 | February 6 | 0% contained as of May 10 | [2] | |
Antelope Flats | Socorro | 940 | April 21 | 60% contained as of April 23 | [3] | |
Park | Lincoln, Mescalero | 3,000 | May 3 | 20% contained as of May 5 | [4] | |
Big Tank | San Miguel | 1,181 | May 4 | May 8 | [5] [6] | |
Pass | Winston | 59,883 | May 18 | Caused by lightning | [7] [8] | |
Comanche | Rio Arriba | 1,974 | June 8 | July 24 | Caused by lightning | [9] |
Dark | Catron | 3,975 | July 12 | [10] | ||
Divide | Catron | 26,514 | July 13 | August 16 | [11] | |
Davis | Catron | 6,073 | July 15 | [12] | ||
Turkey | Grant | 5,220 | July 22 | September 28 | [13] | |
Magdalena RD Hutchinson | Socorro | 2,816 | July 23 | [14] | ||
Pasture | Catron | 10,500 | July 23 | August 16 | [15] | |
Black Feather | Rio Arriba | 2,198 | August 5 | 2023 | Caused by lightning | [16] [17] |