Wildfire — Southwest Mountains, New Mexico

2011-05-01 to 2011-05-31 · Southwest Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

This human caused wildfire, named the Miller Fire, began at the end of April and continued well into June, burning within the steep and rugged terrain of the Gila Wilderness. Four, generally unused, trailers burned near the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center in May, but fortunately, all of the historic cabins were saved. 13 minor injuries occurred with the fire fighting efforts, which are also believed to have occurred in May. In total, 88,835 acres burned, though less than half of this area was within Catron County.

Wider weather episode

Antecedent dry conditions combined with strong winds and low humidities fueled this human caused fire in the Gila Wilderness.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 304625. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.