Johnson Fire

Johnson Fire
Smoke from the Johnson Fire as seen from space
Date(s)May 20, 2021 (2021-05-20) – July 23, 2021 (2021-07-23)
LocationGila National Forest
Coordinates33°14′17″N 108°28′23″W / 33.238°N 108.473°W / 33.238; -108.473
Statistics
Burned area88,918 acres (35,984 ha)
Ignition
CauseLightning
Map
Johnson Fire is located in New Mexico
Johnson Fire
Location in Southern New Mexico

The Johnson Fire was a wildfire that started in Gila National Forest near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the town of Silver City, New Mexico on May 20, 2021. The fire burned 88,918 acres (35,984 ha) and was fully contained on July 23, 2021.[1][2] It was the largest wildfire in the United States of the 2021 wildfire season until June 6, 2021.[1][3][4]

Events

May

The Johnson Fire was first reported at around 12:00 am MDT on May 20, 2021.[1][3]

June

Cause

The cause of the fire is believed to due to a lightning strike.[1][5][3][6]

Containment

On July 23, 2021, the Johnson Fire reached 100% containment.[1]

Impact

Closures and Evacuations

The Johnson Fire has led to the closure of multiple trails and roads in Gila National Forest, including Royal John Rd., Black Range Crest Trail, Grandview Trail and Trujillo Trail. It has also forced the closure of State Highway 152 between the mileposts 28 and 40.[7]

The National Park Service closed the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument on June 5, 2021, and will remain closed until their order is rescinded.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Johnson Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System". inciweb.nwcg.gov. Retrieved 2021-05-28.
  2. ^ "National Interagency Coordination Center Incident Management Situation Report Friday, July 23, 2021– 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 5" (PDF). nifc.gov. July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Romero, Leah. "Lighting starts three new Gila National Forest fires, including one near monument". Silver City Sun-News. Archived from the original on 2021-06-02. Retrieved 2021-05-30.
  4. ^ Romero, Leah. "Johnson Fire grows over the weekend, now at nearly 45,000 acres in Gila National Forest". Silver City Sun-News. Archived from the original on 2021-06-08. Retrieved 2021-06-08.
  5. ^ "Johnson Fire burns about 18,184 acres in Gila National Forest, unknown containment". KRQE News 13 Albuquerque - Santa Fe. 2021-05-21. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
  6. ^ "New Mexico fires burn over Memorial Day weekend amid drought". AP NEWS. 2021-05-31. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
  7. ^ Romero, Leah. "Trails, roads closed as Gila wildfires continue". Silver City Sun-News. Archived from the original on 2021-06-02. Retrieved 2021-05-29.
  8. ^ Romero, Leah. "Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument temporarily closed beginning Saturday". Silver City Sun-News. Archived from the original on 2021-06-05. Retrieved 2021-06-05.