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Highlights: Air resources were able to engage in several hours of operations yesterday before wind speeds became unsafe. Wind-driven spot fires challenged lines in the West and South Zones. Cooler temperatures and an injection of moisture in the area today should aid firefighters in their efforts in all zones. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax Counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures. Stage 3 forest-wide closures for the Santa Fe and Carson National Forest are in effect.

Operations:

West Zone (SWAIMT1): A spot fire northwest of Angostura burned several acres to the south of NM HWY 518 near Comales Canyon. Heavy equipment and crews worked to construct line to control the spot in and protect nearby communities. Crews worked diligently on the northern tip of the fire near Martinez Pond to prevent further spread in that direction. Today, air resources and crews on the ground will capitalize on favorable weather to reinforce direct line around the spot fire and near Martinez Pond. Contingency line construction will begin east of the communities near Penasco. Structure protection work will continue in Loma Linda, Tres Ritos and other communities along the 518 corridor. New evacuations levels were put in place around Penasco in the HWY 73 corridor.

East Zone (CAIIMT2): Yesterday, open fireline on the northern tip of the fire in East Zone was surrounded by hose lines. Structures in Guadalupita have been prepped, with sprinklers and hoses placed in and around the community as added protection. Structure prep in Sierra Bonita was completed, and crews moved up to continue clearing around homes in Black Lake and surrounding areas. The work done will help make these communities more defensible. Along the Taos/Colfax County line, dozers and handcrews began building contingency line, working north towards Angel Fire. Firefighters were also working east of the fire near the Boy Scouts property, with strong support from Philmont Ranch personnel. Today, with cooler weather and lower winds forecasted, firefighters will prioritize strengthening fireline at the northern tip of the fire. Additionally, crews continue to patrol and mop up on the eastern edge of the fire. Contingency prep work will continue in and around several communities north of the fire perimeter.

South Zone (CAIIMT5): Yesterday strong winds increased fire activity in the interior near Lone Pine Mesa but it presented no threat to the structures in Gallinas. Winds also intensified fire activity on the west perimeter especially in Bear Creek. Today, strong winds have the potential to significantly increase fire activity east of Pecos Valley. Firefighters are prepared to take action if the fire should threaten any structures. Residents living in the upper Pecos Valley should remain on high alert for changes to the evacuation status.

Evacuations: Scan the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/HermitsPeak for the evacuation map and follow:

San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/smcso.nm

Mora County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice

Taos County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064642843163

Colfax County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/Colfax-County-Sheriffs-Office-New-Mexico-971817152850308