Dome Fire
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| Dome Fire | |
|---|---|
 Smoke from the Dome Fire dominated this view from Los Alamos National Laboratory. | |
| Date(s) | April 26, 1996 - May 1996 |
| Location | Jemez Mountains, New Mexico |
| Statistics | |
| Total area | 16,516 acres (66.84 km2) |
| Ignition | |
| Cause | Improperly extinguished campfire |
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] It has been described by forester Bill Armstrong as "a wakeup call that nobody woke up to", anomalous at the time but an indicator of future high-intensity fires[3] that are becoming more common due to both local and global environmental changes.[4][5]
The Dome Fire exploded on April 26, 1996, starting from an improperly extinguished campfire.[6] Two men were later arrested after turning themselves in.[7] Devastating portions of the Santa Fe National Forest and Bandelier National Monument, it continued until 16,516 acres (6,684 ha) 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,[6][8] with flame lengths of hundreds of feet. It became a plume-dominated fire in which huge updrafts pulled burning embers high into the clouds and then collapsed.[3]
The National Park Service and United States Forest Service (USFS) sent in a type 1 incident management team.[9] Resources deployed included 15 fire engines, 7 water tenders, 7 helicopters, 5 air tankers, 4 bulldozers,[10] and at least 800 firefighters.[11] At one point, NPS and USFS personnel had to use fire shelters when their engines were overtaken by the fire.[9]
On May 1, 1996 it was reported that firefighters had used a controlled burn to prevent the fire from reaching Los Alamos National Laboratory.[12] The fire was contained in early May. By May 7, 1996, Bandelier National Monument was reopened to tourists.[13]
