Oso Complex Fire

The Oso Complex Fire started June 20, 1998 and burned 5,185 acres (21 km2) in the Santa Fe National Forest in the Jemez Mountains, including more than 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) of Santa Clara Pueblo land. The Oso Fire started in the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico on June 20, 1998. The fire initially began as two small fires, but eventually merged and burned through 2,500 acres by June 22, 1998. In total, the fire scorched approximately 5,185 acres of land, with 1,200 of these acres belonging to Santa Clara Pueblo property, one of the many Native American settlements in New Mexico. The fire came within 8 miles (13 km) of Los Alamos, New Mexico and was contained by July 6, 1998, aided by rain. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson.

With fire spreading through the Santa Clara Pueblo canyons, the flames drew increasingly closer to the Santa Clara creek. The creek served as the main source of water for the residents living in the surrounding Pueblo lands and if damaged, could severely affect these communities. Other valuable properties in the canyon, including forest ranger stations and 32 recreational cabins, were also at risk of burning.