New Mexico wildfire burns nearly 300K acres, now the largest in state history
More than 2,000 firefighters are working to extinguish the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire
Largest wildfire in New Mexico history continues to burn
The Hermits Peak wild fire hit a grim milestone, it is now the largest wildfire on record in New Mexico. Max Gordon has the latest numbers.
LAS VEGAS, N.M. – A wildfire that has been scorching the New Mexico landscape for nearly a month is now the largest fire in state history.
As of Monday morning, the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, which began as two separate fires but merged last month, has so far burned 298,060 acres – or more than 465 square miles.
(FOX Weather)
It now takes the title of the largest fire in New Mexico, the Whitewater Baldy Fire, which burned 297,845 acres in 2012.
HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TVThe fire is only 27% contained, and more than 2,000 firefighters have been working relentlessly to contain and extinguish the flames.
Thick smoke from record-breaking wildfire rises into New Mexico sky
Timelapse video shows a thick stream of smoke from the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire rising into the sky over the Pecos Wilderness. (Video: @RayPhillips207 via Storyful)
At least 172 homes have been burned because of the fire, and thousands of other residents remain under evacuation orders while the flames still rage.
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Fire officials on Monday said some dry thunderstorms could increase the chance for the fire to continue to spread.
"The fire is expected to remain active, with critically dry fuels and near-record temperatures," officials said in their daily update.
Firefighting efforts will continue on the ground as well as from the air when conditions are favorable.
Large smoke clouds wafting from Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire
Timelapse video captures large smoke clouds wafting nearby Santa Fe, New Mexico from the combined Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire on May 14. (Video: Jackson Mathey via Storyful)