COUNTY NEWS RELEASE

Twenty-five years after the Cerro Grande fire, one of the most defining events in Los Alamos County’s history, officials are inviting community members to share personal memories, reflections, photos or short videos that highlight the unity, compassion and healing that followed in the fire’s aftermath.

Submissions can be made online at lacnm.com/CG2025 through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. Selected contributions will be displayed during a public gathering on Tuesday, May 20, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 110 of the Los Alamos County Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos. Light refreshments will be provided, and all community members are invited to attend.

The Cerro Grande fire began as a prescribed burn on May 4, 2000, in Bandelier National Monument and quickly grew out of control. By the time it was fully contained, the fire had destroyed more than 400 homes and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents, becoming one of the most significant disasters in the County’s history.

To recognize the significance of this event, the Los Alamos County Council dedicated a portion of its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 6 to reflect on the fire’s impact and the community’s recovery.

County officials noted that as Los Alamos looks back on this chapter of its history, other communities across New Mexico and the nation continue to confront similar challenges. Los Alamos County stands in solidarity with all communities affected by wildfires and remains committed to recovery, resilience and preparedness. 

For more information or questions, contact Julie Williams-Hill at  or Leslie Bucklin.