Gila Forest Fire Video: Largest Fire in New Mexico History

by NowPublic Staff | May 30, 2012 at 08:30 am

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Gila Forest Fire: Whitewater-Baldy Blaze Breaks New Mexico Records

An out-of-control wildfire in New Mexico's Gila National Forest has consumed over 170,000 acres, becoming the largest wildfire in state history. The Whitewater-Baldy fire was formed by two separate wildfires that have since merged after forming last week: both blazes are believed to have been ignited by lightning strikes.

You can see eyewitness footage of the Gila wildfire below.

Gila National Forest: Closure Alerts

The town of Mogollon has been ordered evacuated. The popluation of nearby Willow Creek has also been evacuated. The fire is 0% contained at this point, despite the efforts of over a thousand firefighters. FEMA has approved New Mexico's request for fire-management assistance.