Wildfire in South Central Mountains, New Mexico

The Camp Fire was discovered near Fort Stanton, NM on May 25th and quickly grew to a few hundred acres in size on its first day. In total, it burned 877 acres through May 27th. It damaged five structures within the Fort Stanton Historical Site, including the destruction of two wooden outbuildings, and the roof on the gymnasium built in the 1940s. The cause was still unknown.

Very dry conditions highlighted by low humidity coupled with breezy afternoon conditions produced elevated to critical fire weather conditions in the areas of southwestern and south-central NM on May 25th and 26th. Two fire starts were discovered, the Camp Fire near Fort Stanton on the 25th and the Paradise Fire on the 26th. These fires grew rapidly in their initial stages, but were quickly responded to and put out within two to three days. The Camp Fire caused damage to five structures within the Fort Stanton Historical Site, including destroying two wooden buildings.

Key Word: Wildfires.