Wildfire — Southwest Mountains, New Mexico

2012-05-09 to 2012-05-31 · Southwest Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

The Whitewater/Baldy Complex has burned approximately 20 structures by the end of May. Damages estimated this month are for these structures only, though the fire will continue to burn well into June.

Wider weather episode

By the end of May, the Whitewater/Baldy Complex broke the record for the largest wildfire in New Mexico state history. The previous record was held by the Las Conchas wildfire of 2011 at just over 156,000 acres.

On May 9th, the Baldy Fire started and on May 16, the Whitewater fire was detected. Both of these fires were started by lightning. On May 24th, strong winds allowed the Whitewater and Baldy fires to join, then becoming the Whitewater/Baldy Complex. At this time 12 structures burned in the Willow Creek subdivision. On May 26th, another bout of stronger winds led to the evacuation of Mogollon. Spotting was reported up to three-quarters of a mile within mixed conifer and ponderosa pine on the northern side of the fire, while pinon pine and juniper were more common on the southeast flank. The fire led to numerous road closures including Forest Service Road 141, Forest Service Road 28 at the Forest Service Road 94 junction, State Road 159 at Whitewater and Forest Service Road 150 at the Forest Service Road 142 junction.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 375826. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.