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With the largest wildfire in state history, it’s no surprise New Mexico claimed the second spot with almost 900,000 acres burned. Idaho ranked fifth with about 440,000 acres.
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Big wildfires earlier this year damaged the acequias that funnel water to New Mexico’s rural farms and communities. Diversion structures were destroyed, silt and debris filled many existing water channels and water flow changed paths. Monday acequia managers asked lawmakers in Santa Fe to fully fund acequia disaster response.
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The northern edge of the fire, northwest of Truth or Consequences, goes through cattle country. Flooding there would be a fresh catastrophe for ranchers who have already seen their land ravaged by the fire.
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After days of higher activity on the two largest wildfires in New Mexico history due to hot, dry weather, relief appears to be on the way as the monsoon season starts up. But rains on a burn scar can bring new trouble: flash floods.