State forester talks burn scars in New Mexico [Video]

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – With the recent wildfires and severe flooding in New Mexico, the connection between the two natural disasters has been apparent due to the long-lasting and immediate impacts of burn scars.

In June, Ruidoso and the surrounding areas experienced two major wildfires, followed by flash floods from rain that fell on the fresh burn scars. As that was taking place, the City of Las Vegas also experienced severe flooding from a downpour on the 2-year-old Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire burn scar.

Largest wildfires in New Mexico history

Looking back at New Mexico’s history of wildfires, which is partially displayed on the map below, you’ll see that the number of fires and burn scars that were left behind from 1911 to 2017 is significant.

The map above does not feature the largest fire in New Mexico state history, the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, which burned more than 340,000 acres starting in April 2022, and the second largest fire, the …