The Arizona Wallow, Monument, and Horseshoe wildfires last month
reminded us how devastating wildfires can be to people, property,
and natural landmarks. The frustration experienced in wildfires is
heightened substantially when we learn that the severe destruction
could have been avoided but for the negligence of an individual or
utility. Unfortunately, New Mexico is sharing that frustration as
it battles two wildfires, one of which was reportedly caused by a
downed power line.
Las Conchas Fire
The Las Conchas fire started at approximately 1:00 p.m. on June
26, 2011, approximately 12 miles southwest of Los Alamos, N.M. In
just a few days it has covered over 103,000 acres, and is now New
Mexico's largest wildfire ever (the previous record-holder was
the Dry Lakes fire in 2003 that burned 94,000 acres). Thus far it
has destroyed 13 homes, and forced more than 10,000 people to
evacuate their homes. Over 1,200 firefighting personnel are
attacking this fire, including
