Wildfire — Southwest Mountains, New Mexico

2025-05-26 to 2025-05-29 · Southwest Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

The human caused Paradise Fire was discovered on May 26th 13 miles south of Quemado in a remote area of Catron County. The fire burned within forest area, reaching a total area burned of 727 acres by May 29th.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1251278. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.