Whitewater–Baldy complex Fire

The Whitewater–Baldy complex Fire was a wildfire that started on May 9, 2012, in Catron County, New Mexico, USA.[1] The fire burned more than 297,845 acres (465.383 sq mi; 120,534 ha) in Gila National Forest and was fully contained on July 31, 2012.[2] The area of the fire well surpassed that of the Las Conchas Fire of 2011, making Whitewater–Baldy the largest wildfire in New Mexico state history[3] until it was surpassed in May 2022 by the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire.[4] The Whitewater-Baldy Fire Complex burned mostly within the Gila Wilderness, which includes the fire's namesake mountain, Whitewater Baldy.

Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire
LocationGila National Forest, New Mexico
Coordinates33.345°N 108.71°W / 33.345; -108.71
Statistics[1]
Date(s)May 16, 2012 – July 31, 2012 (2012-07-31)
Burned area297,845 acres (1,205 km2)
CauseLightning
Map
Whitewater–Baldy complex Fire is located in New Mexico
Whitewater–Baldy complex Fire
Whitewater–Baldy complex Fire is located in the United States
Whitewater–Baldy complex Fire

Summary

The fire started as two separate fires, the Whitewater fire which was detected on May 16 and the smaller Baldy fire[5] that started earlier on May 9, both from lightning strikes.[6] The fires merged on 24 May.[6] The fire has burned more than a dozen residences, caused the evacuation of several small towns, and forced the closure of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the Catwalk Recreation Area above Glenwood, New Mexico.[7] The fire grew rapidly at a rate of 20,000 acres (8,100 ha) per day from May 28 to June 9, after which growth slowed.[2] Rain showers in mid-July helped firefighters reach 95% containment by July 23 and 100% containment by July 31.[2]

Government response

On May 15, 2012, as a result of the Whitewater–Baldy complex fire, governor Susana Martinez declared the entire state of New Mexico to be in a drought. Martinez issued the formal drought declaration to help farmers, ranchers, and others secure federal drought funding. Martinez stated that in addition to "the work we're doing at the state level to assist communities facing serious drought conditions, I'm hopeful this declaration will assist them in securing any available federal funding as well."[8][9] Martinez stated that "As a result of this fire, small businesses are unquestionably feeling the impact." As a result, she encouraged them to apply for SBA loans.[10] On June 8, Martinez declared Catron County, New Mexico to be in a state of emergency. The declaration made funds available for both state and local response to the fire, and for community needs.[11]

See also

Notes
  1. Inciweb.org. "Whitewater Baldy Complex". Retrieved May 31, 2012.
  2. Houseman, Bob; Truett, John; Lee, Susan; Palmer, Judy; Baca, Mike; Irwin, Emily. "Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire Review". wildfirelessons.net. Gila National Forest, United States Forest Service. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  3. "Whitewater-Baldy Complex fire now biggest ever in New Mexico". KOB. May 30, 2012. Archived from the original on June 1, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
  4. "Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire becomes largest in New Mexico history at nearly 300,000 acres". cnn.com. May 16, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  5. "Badldy Fire". InciWeb. May 23, 2012.
  6. "Gila fires merge into Whitewater–Baldy Complex". Las Cruces Sun News. May 24, 2012.
  7. "Whitewater-Baldy Fire: Thick smoke forces Cliff Dwellings to close". Las Cruces Sun News. June 5, 2012.
  8. "Martinez issues drought declaration". American City Business Journals. May 17, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  9. "Record-setting NM fire expected to burn for weeks". Kansas City Star. June 1, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  10. "Fire-impacted small businesses urged to seek SBA loans". American City Business Journals. May 29, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
  11. "NM governor declares emergency in Catron County due to fire". Las Cruces Sun-News. June 8, 2012. Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2012.
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