2023 New Mexico wildfires


A series of wildfires burned throughout the U.S. state of New Mexico in 2023.

Background

While "fire season" can vary every year in New Mexico based on weather conditions, most wildfires occur in from early May through June, before the monsoon season. However, there is an increasing fire risk year-round from climate change. Droughts are becoming more common partly from rising temperatures in the state that evaporate water from streams. Unpredictable monsoon levels can increase fire risks. New Mexico is prone to strong winds, and jet stream disruption from climate change can make them stronger. Intense winds contribute to drought, allow wildfires to spread, and dry out vegetation. Unique plant life and fine fuels in the state fuel wildfires, especially in the Eastern New Mexico grasslands. Rising temperatures will reduce snowpack and shorten the snowmelt season which can increase drought and wildfire severity.
Overgrazing and logging in the late 1800s and over 100 years of strict fire suppression affected natural systems of New Mexico led to a growing wildfire risk and intensity. Scientists predict New Mexico's forests will gradually deteriorate, turning into shrublands as wildfires burn the forests.

List of wildfires

The following is a list of fires that burned more than or produced significant structural damage or casualties.
NameCountyAcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRef
MogoteMora3,80306 2 202303.11.2023
Antelope FlatsSocorro94021 4 202316 6 2023
ParkLincoln, Mescalero3,00003 5 202323 5 2023
Big TankSan Miguel1,18104 5 20238 5 2023
PassWinston59,88318 5 20233 10 2023Caused by lightning
ComancheRio Arriba1,9748 6 2023July 24Caused by lightning
DarkCatron3,97512 7 202319 9 2023
DivideCatron26,51413 7 2023August 16
DavisCatron6,07315 7 202314 9 2023
TurkeyGrant5,22022 7 2023September 28
Magdalena RD HutchinsonSocorro2,81623 7 2023
PastureCatron10,50023 7 2023August 16
Black FeatherRio Arriba2,1985 8 20232023Caused by lightning