Ponil Complex Fire
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| Ponil Complex Fire | |
|---|---|
| Location | New Mexico, United States of America |
| Statistics | |
| Burned area | 92,470 acres (37,420 ha) |
| Ignition | |
| Cause | Lightning strikes and drought conditions |
Ponil Complex Fire was a lightning-caused fire in New Mexico, United States, that started on Monday, June 3, and was fully contained by Monday, June 17, 2002.[1][2][3] The fire burned a total area of 92,470 acres, including areas in the Valle Vidal unit of Carson National Forest and much of Philmont's North Country.[4] It was the largest wildfire of its time in the state of New Mexico.[3][5]
The fire wiped out the forest on a large scale. It disrupted the growth and changed the ecosystem of the area. Four fish species were lost due to this fire.[6][7]
Description
Ponil Complex Fire started in North County above US Route 64 in the Dean Canyon area and would eventually spread as far as the Valle Vidal area.[2] By June 6 the fire had burned 60,000 acres and was upgraded to a Type I incident with no timeline for containment.[1][9] By June 11, the fire had burned 85,000 acres of land.[10]
The fire was finally contained on June 17 after burning a total area of 92,470 acres, with 30,000 acres on the Philmont Scout Ranch. 40% of the area within fire's boundary burned at low severity, with 75% survival of the trees. 13% of the area was completely unburned.[1][2][3][11] A total of 1,342 firefighters, 13 water-dropping helicopters, 31 engines, 24 dozers, and 12 water tenders fought against the fire.[2] The total suppression costs amounted to $14 million.[12]
