New Mexico Fire Is Now Largest in State's History

As of Monday, the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak blaze was just 27% contained after it spread by more than 90,000 acres this week. The fire is expected to spread in the immediate due to the dry weather, low humidity, and wind.

The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak blaze is the largest fire in the state. The fire is burning to the west and has covered more than 45,605 acres. The Cooks Peak fire is burning to the northeast of Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak and is almost completely contained. There are at least three small fires in the state.

Thousands of homes have been evacuated due to the weather. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, New Mexico's governor said on May 6 that between 30,000 and 40,000 people were under an order to leave their homes. According to the Albuquerque Journal, at least 170 homes have been destroyed.

The Calf Canyon blaze merged with the Hermits Peak fire on April 19. It was not ideal for a controlled fire to be set on Hermits Peak because of the low humidity and wind. New Mexico Congresswoman, Teresa Leger Fern, has criticized the Forest Service for going forward with the planned burn and called for an internal investigation in an open letter.

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In New Mexico, the burn season peaks in June with fires of this size in April and May. New Mexico is burning due to historic dry conditions caused by climate change.

The Southwest is currently experiencing its worst dry spell in about 1,200 years. In the region, there are also fires in Arizona, Texas, and Colorado. Climate change has made fire seasons longer, so they begin earlier and end later in the year. Climate change makes heat and dry weather more likely to cause fires.