In early 2023, Patrick Lohmann, a reporter for the nonprofit Source NM, moved to the small town of Las Vegas, New Mexico, to learn how residents were coping with the aftermath of the largest wildfire in state history.

What he learned there was that the destruction brought on by wildfires doesn’t end when the fire itself goes out. It can take years for people to extract benefits from the federal bureaucracy, and for communities to fully recover—if they ever do. Wildfires leave behind debris that can be swept up in devastating flash floods, and in many parts of the country, the “fire season” encompasses most of the year.

Pat spoke to The Kicker about the new reality of wildfires, and why all reporters living in fire-prone areas may eventually find themselves covering wildfires.

Read more of Patrick Lohmann’s reporting at Source NM

Patrick moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico to cover the aftermath of the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

How wildfires led to flash flooding in Ruidoso (NYT)

Hosted by Josh Hersh
Produced by Amanda Darrach
Research by Kevin Lind

Episode Website

The long, destructive path of fire: Talking to Source NM’s Patrick Lohmann about a never-ending wildfire season

The Kicker

The long, destructive path of fire: Talking to Source NM’s Patrick Lohmann about a never-ending wildfire season