Greetings from New Mexico, a fire-ravaged part of our most beautiful state.
Currently, in New Mexico, fires are burning out of control, devastating humans and wildlife, landscape, property, and the environment. This week I want to share a few images of the awesomeness of nature and the power of the fires burning. The fires are on the east side of the mountains from where I live, here in San Cristobal, and have destroyed whole communities of people who have been living here long before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth. The area burning is a favorite place of mine to visit and photograph. I’ve met many people there, and all are open and friendly as any of my immediate neighbors are.
I just spoke with a friend who evacuated to Santa Fe, NM. He says he is safe and doing well but has no idea the extent of damage or lack thereof to his family’s home and property. We hear stories like these often, wherever fires and natural disasters occur. This time it’s a little closer to home. This fire driven by high winds is relentless and impervious to anyone or anything in its way.
I’ll leave you with these three images I shot yesterday. I shot many more pictures than these. It was an awful and yet awesome sight to behold. Perhaps it’s time to take care of the environment better than we have. Maybe, nature, the climate and the world can’t afford our bucket lists and indiscriminate consumption. I love where I live. I will tread a little lighter on the land day by day.
Click on the image to enlarge. The first image is made from 15 images stiched together. The image is 8 feet wide.
As always thank you for looking. G
37 thoughts on “Fire In New Mexico, May 11, 2022”
My heart hurts
Thank you, Jamie. G
When it happened in the Gila Wilderness..many places I knew as beautiful, sacred sanctuaries where wiped off the planet, leaving the remains of burned forest which will NEVER be the same as before. I experienced the same grief one would if someone you know and loved had died in a terrible accident. I feared for Northern NM and hoped it would not happen up there….alas, I was wrong.
Thank you so much for sharing your view, Stephen. It’s a sorry state of affairs we’ve gotten ourselves into. Stay safe. G
My prayers are with the people of New Mexico and yes, it is a beautiful state.
I hold great memories from there. I will continue to pray and dance for rain!
Thank you, Linda. G
Wow 🥺. I was on a travel nurse assignment in Napa, CA once when the fires were burning. It was so sad to see but like you said nature is still so beautiful. I remember the sky & sun were so red. My thoughts are with you & your community!! 🙏
Hi Melissa, We’ve had similar sights like that here. It’s all too prevalent these days. Thank you, G
If only we could send our abundant rain down your way.
They schlepp oil through pipelines why not water. There’s plenty in the east as well. where a lot of us came here from. Thanks, Rob. G
Yes indeed! NW Oregon is deluged!
👍👍👍
Thank you, Carol. Send some rain and good vibes. G
My heart breaks to see these photos, it’s just hard… Knowing.
I have been in love with Northern New Mexico since my husband brought me to Taos some 30 years ago… The area became our favorite place to visit & camp.
Thoughts & prayers for everyone ~
It is very sad and happening more and more frequently and earlier these days. Thank you, Elaine. G
To see the horrible grey smoke and to imagine what is beneath it, gives one a sickening feeling in the stomach. One has a feeling of sadness, dread and rage. Why did this happen? Why hasn’t
someone invented some fireproof material for buildings? All those brilliant minds making space ships that can withstand the heat of the sun, could t hey not come up with something to protect buildings?
Sorry, I am just so frustrated, I needed to vent.
I do hope the fire does not come as far as Taos!
I’m in total agreement. The fire is far away from us but the chance of more new fires happening is a stark reality. Thank you, Helga. H
My heart aches for all who are and will suffer due to this controlled intentional burn by the us forest service. Methinks some common sense was shoved aside for some insane reason. I had heard several days ago that high winds were forecast for 100 hours. Hope all stay safe. Property and belongings can be replaced as sad and scary and unsettling as that prospect is. Blessings
Absolutely insane! I read an article today calling this scenario, “cultural genocide”. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Brian. G
Thank you for a look at the beauty and the beast.
It really is magnificent to watch if it weren’t so destructive. Thank you, Carole. G
sad.
Very, very sad state of affairs. Thank you, Ron. G
Thank you for posting and keeping us visually up to date – for an area so many of us have visited and treasured. Holding NM close to my heart. I live in CA and I know the devastation.
I do my best. This whole scene could have been avoided. It is ridiculous. Thank you, Susan. Stay safe and well. G
May the winds stop. I do know what fires can do. Last year Santa Cruz had a huge fire. I have been worried about beautiful New Mexico.
The winds have wound down a bit this morning but are starting to gust again. A big gust just blew juniper berries off our trees, pelting the skylights like hail. Thank you, Sheila. G
Extraordinary images that are, of course, terrifying.
I’ve been closer to fires. This is as close as I want to be again. Thank you, John. I hope you are well. G
Napa transplant here now in Taos. My heart breaks- gorgeous captures of a monster….
Thank you, Kristine. This is happening everywhere. Remember that huge fire near Denver in December. December for crying out loud. Scary stuff. G
Thanks Geraint, We are currently still in Ecuador, but our hearts are in NM. We intend to return in the Fall of this year, and will hopfully find you safe.
Hi Pat. Continue to enjoy your time in Ecuador. I feel sure we’ll be here when you return. Say hi to Phil. G
Oh my gosh, I only just now learned it was started by a “controlled” fire. No words! Sad heart.
One fire began by natural events and the other began after a prescribed burn. They combined at one point to create the monster that is running crazy. Thanks Catherine. G
No words 🙏
Thank you, Alison. G