The Hill News

Fires of unprecedented size and severity continue to plague the west. For residents of New Mexico, this has already been a difficult and expensive summer, marked by evacuations, forest closures, and even loss of property and homes.  This year, 876 individual fires have burnt a total of over 652,800 acres in New Mexico alone.  On the state’s western border, the largest fire in Arizona history has now crossed into New Mexico, forcing evacuations and costing millions.  Fires have burned in the Organ Mountains at the southern end of the state, temporarily forced the closure of the world-famous Carlsbad Caverns in eastern New Mexico, and led to evacuations of Los Alamos National Labs to the north.  Even where fires aren’t burning, forest use is restricted or completely closed. 

The impacts on local communities are immense, as tourism and recreation are primary sources of income for the area. Tourism is likely to drop significantly in Lincoln County this s! ummer if the forest remains closed, dramatically affecting local jobs and paychecks.

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