224 homes burned in New Mexico’s Little Bear Fire

Little Bear Fire - June 1, 2012
Little Bear Fire – June 1, 2012. Flickr

It has been ten days the Little Bear fire in southern New Mexico started, and in that time it has burned 224 homes, blackened 39,912 acres, and firefighters have it 40 percent contained. On the more populated east side the fire has moved into areas with less continuous fuel, slowing the spread and making it easier for firefighters to construct fire line. On Wednesday most of the fire activity was on the west side. Tanker 911, a DC-10 was used in this area, dropping 11,600 gallons in each sortie.

Map of the Little Bear Fire, June 14, 2012 MODIS
Map of the Little Bear Fire, June 14, 2012 MODIS

A more detailed map of the Little Bear Fire can be found HERE.

The video below is a good summary of the fire activity on Wednesday.

The DC-10 is shown making a couple of drops in the excellent video below.

Below are more photos of the Little Bear fire from Flickr:

Crew, Little Bear Fire, June 12, 2012
A crew on the Little Bear Fire, June 12, 2012
Little Bear Fire, June 1, 2012
Little Bear Fire, June 1, 2012
DC-10 dropping on Little Bear Fire June 12, 2012
DC-10 dropping on the Little Bear Fire June 12, 2012
Line construction, June 12, 2012
Line construction, June 12, 2012

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

8 thoughts on “224 homes burned in New Mexico’s Little Bear Fire”

  1. My parents only had 15 minutes to get out. I think someone needs to find a lawyer.

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  2. Hello,

    First, I would like to thank everyone for all their hard work and support with the Little Bear fire. I’m here in Ruidoso assisting families with rentals who lost their home. If you have homeowner’s or rental insurance, please call. We are here to assist during this difficult time.

    Jessica

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    1. Those that lost everything will have to start back with the basics – I have a store room with things like a bed, linens, towels pots and pans..ect and I would like to donate alot of the stuff for them. It is all good stuff, not junk. Where can I find out about that?
      Thanks!
      Linda

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  3. The first Strike Team of Oregon Department of Forestry engines hit the line tonight. Stay safe guys!

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    1. Something is FUBAR. Really FUBAR.

      The San Bernardino, Cleveland, Angeles, as well as most Forests in CA have sent minimal resources to either AZ or NM.

      While it is applauded that OR sent a “strike team”, something is pretty messed up in the CLOSEST FORCES CONCEPT.

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      1. While i wont speak for them, with the reduction in forces in the USFS in general, closest forces is meant for IA. Leap frogging resources during extended attack makes more sense than sending everything close and then having the move-up creep leave land semi-unprotected because everyone went to the party without thinking about protection responsibilities back home.

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        1. Chris,

          You can speak for whomever you like, but after 30 years on the job as a FIREFIGHTER.. something is FUBAR.

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          1. Its too bad you have that attitude after 30 years. It appears that you have never been in a position of having to make descsions based on drawdown analysis or local needs but only on emotion.

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