Forest Service finds it was responsible for largest fire in New Mexico history
The Forest Service said it was responsible for both the fires that coalesced late last month and created the largest blaze in New Mexico history.
The agency said Friday its fire investigators determined the Calf Canyon fire was started by a lingering blaze
or sleeper fire, following a federal heap burn that ended January 29.
Although crews monitored the blaze for a few days after the blaze subsided, the Forest Service
said it remained dormant and survived three bouts of winter snowfall
before reigniting and escaping lines. confinement in April and to be “significantly” propagated by a wind event.
The Calf Canyon Fire then merged with the Hermits Peak Fire, which was also started by an escaped Federal prescribed burn, to cause the largest fire on record in New Mexico.
“The pain and suffering of New Mexicans caused by the actions of the U.S. Forest Service – an agency that is supposed to be the steward of our lands – is unfathomable,” New Mexico Gov.
The governor said the fire, which is still ongoing, has destroyed hundreds of homes, cost state and local governments millions and displaced tens of thousands of state residents.