"The fire’s rapid increase from 50 to 105.6 acres within one hour highlights a significant growth rate, warranting attention from local authorities and the public."
The Cotton Draw wildfire, located in Lea County, New Mexico, was first reported on September 4, 2026, at 01:49:15. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the jurisdictional agency overseeing the incident. By 03:40:03, the fire had burned 50 acres, and it expanded to 105.6 acres by 04:40:05, with no containment reported in either update. The cause remains undetermined, and no personnel or cost estimates have been released. The fire’s behavior is currently unknown, but the rapid growth in a short period indicates a potentially escalating situation.
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Carlsbad. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
General wildfire safety guidance applies: stay informed through official channels, avoid the area if possible, and be prepared to evacuate if instructed by authorities.
IRWIN ID: {58D20577-A55E-4838-9FA0-11A301D6036E}
Discovered: Sep 4, 2026
Cause: Human
Managing Agency: BLM
Coordinates: 32.1053, -103.6176
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in NM.
The COTTON DRAW Fire has burned 106 acres as of September 4, 2026.
The COTTON DRAW Fire has not yet reached any official containment.
The official cause has been listed as: Human.
The COTTON DRAW Fire is burning in Lea, NM.
No, the COTTON DRAW Fire is no longer listed as active by NIFC.
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