Wildfire — West Central Highlands, New Mexico

2024-06-15 to 2024-06-24 · West Central Highlands, New Mexico

Event narrative

The Encerrita Wildfire was a lightning start discovered within the El Malpais National Monument. The fire burned a total of 2,499 acres resulting in no damage or loss of life.

Wider weather episode

The Encerrita Wildfire was a lightning caused wildfire discovered June 15th approximately 15 miles south-southwest of Grants, NM within the El Malpais National Monument. A favorable fire growth pattern allowed the fire to grow in its first few days surpassing 1,000 acres within 72 hours of its discovery. A turn to a wetter weather pattern abated fire growth on June 19th and onwards as the wildfire was then managed through June 24th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1178650. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.