LOS ALAMOS HISTORY
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Welcome to the online exhibit of Resilience and Regrowth: Twenty Years After Cerro Grande. Explore photographs and artifacts, reflect on our journey of resilience, and share your stories of the Cerro Grande Fire.

Wildfire

4/20/2020

 
“When I left Los Alamos … I had seven people in my car (how many people can you get in a Honda Accord?). As I looked back toward the mountain, I saw houses burning, and I realized all of Los Alamos could burn.”
— Becky Smith

Have you experienced a challenge like this in your life?

What would become the Cerro Grande Fire began as what the National Park Service called a controlled burn, meant to protect the forest. Within a day, it burned out of control and was declared a wildfire. On May 7, 2000, three days after ignition, the western part of Los Alamos was evacuated. On May 10, when Los Alamos Canyon started to burn, the townsite was evacuated. Many evacuees took shelter with friends and family in White Rock. But at 1:07 a.m., sirens sounded in White Rock, announcing an evacuation for that community as well. 
The Cerro Grand Fire burns near Los Alamos on May 7. Photo by Gary Warren. Los Alamos National Laboratory Collection, Los Alamos Historical Society Photo Archives.
The Cerro Grand Fire burns near Los Alamos on May 7. Photo by Gary Warren. Los Alamos National Laboratory Collection, Los Alamos Historical Society Photo Archives.
Abiquiu, Española, and Santa Clara Pueblo were under voluntary evacuations. The Pueblo de San Ildefonso evacuated residents sensitive to smoke inhalation. Many New Mexicans looked at the rising smoke plume and worried about possible environmental dangers—what would happen if the fire burned into Los Alamos National Laboratory? The Cerro Grande Fire captured national news attention.
May 4 press briefing. Photo by Andrea Booher/FEMA News Photo.
May 4 press briefing. Photo by Andrea Booher/FEMA News Photo.
return to the main exhibit page

Comments are closed.
    Header photo by Vint Miller, courtesy Los Alamos County.

    Were you here for the Cerro Grande Fire? Click here to share your story with us and to read stories of resilience from friends and neighbors.
    Share Your Story

    Join us in the Guest Cottage to see Resilience and Regrowth in person. The museum exhibit has the space to share even more photographs, artifacts, and personal stories.

    Thank You!
    Hero Sponsors
    Century Bank logo
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    Del Norte Credit Union logo
    Enterprise Bank & Trust logo
    Holiday Inn Express & Suites at Los Alamos Entrada Park logo
    Los Alamos Community Foundation logo
    Jennifer Loveless Design logo
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    Thank you for your donations that made this exhibit possible!
    Melissa Arias
    Nancy and John Bartlit
    Stephen A. Becker
    Don Cavness
    Rose Chocolatier
    Rebecca Collinsworth
    Brent and Robyn Collom
    Beverly Cooper
    Hedy Dunn
    Terry Foxx
    John S. Hendricks
    Hans and Ryn Hermann
    Linda and Bob Hill
    Wendy Hoffman
    Mary Pat Kraemer
    Lemonade Living
    Judy Magelssen
    Craig Martin
    Elizabeth Martineau
    McDaniel Family
    Gordon McDonough
    Robert C. Moore
    Ben and Ruth Neal
    Joyce Nickols
    Todd Nickols
    Deborah and Rick Reiss
    John and Kit Ruminer
    Santa Fe New Mexican
    Sharon Snyder
    Georgia and Gerry Strickfaden
    Michelle Stump
    Cherie and Andy Trottier
    Todd Urbatsch
    Roger Waterman and        Emily McGay
    In creating this online exhibit, the Los Alamos Historical Society is supported by a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the New Mexico Humanities Council.
The Los Alamos Historical Society preserves, promotes, and communicates the remarkable history and inspiring stories of Los Alamos and its people for our community, for the global audience, and for future generations. 

Contacts:                                      
AC Tech: 505-709-7738, actech@losalamoshistory.org
Archives: 505-709-7841,  archives@losalamoshistory.org
Collections: 505-795-9970, curator@losalamoshistory.org
Educator: 505-709-7760, educator@losalamoshistory.org
Executive Director: 505-662-6272, execdirector@losalamoshistory.org
Executive Assistant: 505-695-3524, kristen@losalamoshistory.org
Membership: 505-695-3524
Museum Assistant: kaity@losalamoshistory.org
Museum/Museum Shop: 505-709-7794, info@losalamoshistory.org
Museum Shop Manager:  505-695-5250, museumshop@losalamoshistory.org



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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Learn / Research >
      • Information For Teachers
      • Teachers and Caregivers
      • Adult Resources >
        • National History Day
        • Homestead Driving Tour
        • History at Home
        • Pioneering Women in Los Alamos
        • Development of the Atomic Bomb
        • Links and Resources
      • Archive >
        • Archive
    • Careers/Jobs
    • Contact
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Museum Campus
    • Museum >
      • Exhibits >
        • Online and Temporary Exhibits
      • Victory Garden
      • Explore Los Alamos
    • Tours
  • Programs
    • Upcoming Events
    • Lecture Series
    • Autumn 2023 Tour to Trinity
    • History Award
    • Los Alamos / Japan Project
    • Volunteer Training
  • Membership
  • Donate to Projects
  • Donate Your Time- Volunteer
  • Film and News
  • History Blog
  • Shop
    • Books
    • Children's Books & Gifts
    • Apparel
    • Gifts