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Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires Daily Update 9 a.m. May 3
Calf Canyon
Publication Type: News 05/23/2022
Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires May 3, 2022, Daily Update, 09:00 AM
Acres: 145,854 acres - Containment: 20% - Total personnel: 1,085
Start Date: Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022
Cause: Hermits Peak: spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: under investigation
Location: Located near Gallinas Canyon - Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grassHighlights: With more favorable winds, firefighters were able to make progress in several key areas of the fire. A red flag warning is in effect again today. Respect all closures and allow firefighting resources to work safely. Firefighter and public safety will continue to be the number one priority.
Operations: Winds were calmer than expected yesterday, providing an opportunity for firefighters to engage in suppression tactics in anticipation of less favorable weather ahead. Two very large air tankers (VLAT) were loaned to the fire to deliver massive loads of retardant to the fire line. Firing operations were performed to widen holding lines and remove fuels ahead of a wind shift that could threaten communities. Structure protection resources will be removing fuels around structures and securing lines around populated areas. Fire moving against the wind is expected in some areas, also referred to as a backing fire, giving firefighters a chance to limit fire spread at roads and constructed lines. Resources will be bolstered in areas with the most anticipated fire activity and the highest probability of success in protecting homes and other values at risk. Air resources will continue to operate as conditions allow. A strike team of mutual aid structure engines requested by San Miguel County and the City of Las Vegas will be working in cooperation with the team to provide protection for the city.
Evacuations: Scan the QR code here for the latest evacuation map or visit the ArcGIS Map. The San Miguel and Mora County Sheriffs ask that all residents within the fire area remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures. It is imperative to respect closures and follow evacuation orders. Please follow San Miguel County and Mora County Sheriff’s Facebook pages for the latest updates at https://www.facebook.com/smcso.nm and https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice.
Weather: There is a red flag warning in effect 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. High temperatures will be mid 60s to mid 70s, maximum wind speeds 25-30 with gusts to 45 mph. Winds will be out of the south-southeast, shifting to south-southwest later this evening.
Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest has expanded the closure order due to the fire to include the entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District and has implemented forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions. Full closure order and map are available at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009. There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place over the area. The TFR also covers unmanned aircraft, or drones. If a private drone intrudes into the fire area, it will require a pause in all air operations and impede firefighting progress, putting firefighters at greater risk.
Smoke: An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Future Fire Information: The Calf Canyon Fire and Hermit Peak Fire Information office hours are 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. The phone number for fire information is 505-356-2636. The email address is 2022.calfcanyon@firenet.gov. Future fire information will continue to be posted on Inciweb, the SFNF Facebook and Twitter, SFNF website, and New Mexico Fire Information website.