New Mexico Wildfire History

The major wildfires that shaped New Mexico — and why today’s risk looks the way it does. The largest on this list, the 2022 Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon Fire, burned about 342K acres.

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Major New Mexico wildfires

  1. 2024

    South Fork & Salt Fires

    · 25,000 acres

    Destroyed ~1,400 structures in Ruidoso and the Mescalero reservation; deadly flooding followed.

  2. 2022

    Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon Fire

    · 342,000 acres

    The largest wildfire in New Mexico history; began as escaped Forest Service prescribed burns near Las Vegas.

  3. 2012

    Whitewater-Baldy Complex

    · 298,000 acres

    Then the largest in state history, in the Gila Wilderness.

  4. 2011

    Las Conchas Fire

    · 156,000 acres

    Threatened Los Alamos and the national laboratory, at one point growing an acre per second.

  5. 2000

    Cerro Grande Fire

    · 48,000 acres

    An escaped prescribed burn destroyed ~400 structures in Los Alamos.

Figures are rounded from official sources (CAL FIRE, NIFC, state forestry agencies) for well-documented incidents. For the full federal record, see InciWeb and NIFC.

New Mexico wildfire history — frequently asked

What was the largest wildfire in New Mexico history?

The largest wildfire on this New Mexico timeline is the 2022 Hermits Peak–Calf Canyon Fire, which burned about 342,000 acres. The largest wildfire in New Mexico history; began as escaped Forest Service prescribed burns near Las Vegas.

What was the most recent major wildfire in New Mexico?

The most recent major fire on this New Mexico timeline is the 2024 South Fork & Salt Fires. Destroyed ~1,400 structures in Ruidoso and the Mescalero reservation; deadly flooding followed.

How many major wildfires has New Mexico had?

This New Mexico timeline documents 5 major recorded wildfires, from the 2000 to the 2024, drawn from official sources.

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