Dome Fire

The Dome Fire was a destructive wildfire in the Jemez Mountains in the northern region of the U.S. state of New Mexico during the 1996 fire season.[1][2][3]

Smoke from the Dome Fire dominated this view from Los Alamos National Laboratory.

History

Devastating portions of the Santa Fe National Forest and Bandelier National Monument, the fire exploded on April 26, 1996, starting from an improperly extinguished campfire. It continued until 16,516 acres (66.8 km²) in Capulin Canyon and the Dome Wilderness were burned. High fuel loading, low fuel moisture, and wind contributed to the extremely rapid spread of the fire, with flame lengths of hundreds of feet.

The fire was contained in early May, 1996 after being fought by over 900 firefighters.

The Dome Fire was significant for pointing out the problems of fighting fires on the Pajarito Plateau, and was the immediate inspiration for creation of the Inter-agency Wildfire Management Team.

See also

References
  1. "N.M. fire threatens Indian sites". Lawrence Journal-World. Associated Press. April 29, 1996. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  2. "Santa Fe". Districts. May 20, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  3. Nijhuis, Michelle (September 20, 2012). "Forest fires: Burn out". Nature News. 489 (7416): 352–354. Bibcode:2012Natur.489..352N. doi:10.1038/489352a. PMID 22996530. Retrieved August 18, 2016.

Further reading

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