Wildfire — Taos, New Mexico

1996-05-06 to 1996-05-11 · near Lama, Taos, New Mexico

Wider weather episode

An escaped trash fire developed into a wind-driven raging forest fire exacerbated by hot temperatures and some of the driest fuel moisture conditions in 30 years. The fire exhibited extreme behavior and had consumed nearly 7000 acres of national forest within the first 24 hours. The fire destroyed over 30 structures and forced evacuations at both Questa and Red River.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5551860. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.