GFMC: Forest Fires in the United States
Fires in Arizona and New Mexico
26 May 2004
Peppin Fire on El Capitan
Started on 15 May 2004, and almost contained by the weekend of 22 May, thePeppin Fire (center) on El Capitan Mountain in New Mexico, roared back to lifeearly in the week of 24 May due to dry conditions and strong winds. According tonews reports, two dozen homes were evacuated in the area and portions of severalroads had to be closed. Current estimates from the National Interagency FireCenter are that more than 9,000 acres had been affected by the blaze as of 25May.
(Image courtesy the MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center)
This image of New Mexico was captured by the ModerateResolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua satellite on the afternoon (local time) of 24 May 2004. The thermal signature ofthe Peppin Fire detected by MODIS is outlined in red. A large plume of smoke isspreading northeast from the fire. Ironically, the fire is burning in the sameforest where fire safety mascot “Smokey the Bear” was rescued as a cubfrom a wildfire back in 1950. Despite Smokey’s catch phrase”Only you canprevent forest fires”the Peppin Fire was caused by lightning on 15 May(Source: EarthObservatory).
See also the following Media Article: NewMexico Fire Hits ‘Smokey the Bear’ Forest (published by: PlanetArk, 26 May 2004)
KP Fire in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Near the Arizona (left)-New Mexico (right) state line, east of the FortApache and San Carlos Indian Reservations, the KP Fire was burning in rugged,mountainous terrain on 24 May 24 2004. Pictured in this image from the ModerateResolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua satellite, the actively burning portion of the fire detected by MODIS has beenoutlined in red. The fire is burning in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest,and as of 25 May, was not threatening any structures. Over the weekend of 22May, firefighters continued “burn-out” operations along highway 191 tocreate fuel-free zones that prevent the fire from spreading (Source: EarthObservatory).
(Image courtesy the MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center)
Fires in Arizona and New Mexico
24 May 2004
Heat signatures (red) and smoke plumes (light blue haze) are visible from fires burning in Arizona and New Mexico. The KP Fire (15% contained) has charred 6,642 acres in Apache National Forest. The Lookout Fire (40% contained) has scorched 4,600 acres in Cibola National Forest. The Peppin Fire (5% contained) has burned 2,400 acres in Lincoln National Forest. This information is from the National Interagency Fire Center’s Incident Management Situation Report from 24 May 2004. 25 May 2004
Heat signatures (red) and smoke plumes (light blue haze) are visible from firesburning in Arizona and New Mexico. The KP Fire (20% contained) has charred 9,379acres in Apache National Forest. The Lookout Fire (60% contained) has scorched4,750 acres in Cibola National Forest. The Peppin Fire (1% contained) has burned9,500 acres in Lincoln National Forest. This information is from the NationalInteragency Fire Center’s Incident Management Situation Report from 25 May 2004. (Source: OSEII) (Source: OSEII)
For detailed information on Forest Firesin the US please visit:
https://gfmc.online/gfmcnew/2004/0414/20040414_us_test.htm
