New Mexico's 2002 Fire Season the Longest Ever

The forest fires that raged throughout New Mexico in 2002 were not the worst in history in terms of their size, but - fueled by years of drought - the state had its longest fire season on record, which began in early spring and lasted into September. And don't let a little snow on the ground this winter fool you, foresters warn; New Mexico isn't out of the woods yet and could be in store for another terrible fire season next year.