Single Publication

Acres: 168,009 acres
Containment: 20%
Total personnel: 1,374
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 grass

Highlights: With a major wind event expected to begin Saturday and last for several days, firefighters are taking advantage of the current favorable weather to get additional containment line around the fire perimeter and contingency lines constructed further out. This includes putting in more dozer line and handline, doing firing operations to clear fuels, and tying together existing lines. Six structure protection groups with over 300 firefighters are working in communities around the fire. They are identifying homes and other values, removing fuels, setting up sprinkler systems, and putting in fire line to fortify structures. Moderated winds allowed for more air support the last few days to aid ground operations. The upcoming wind event is predicted to be historic due to the duration and the area it will impact. It is critical that people continue to watch for changes in evacuation status and pay attention to emergency notifications.
 
Operations: Fire crews made a lot of progress yesterday, continuing to strengthen and widen lines around the fire and putting additional structure protections in place. On the east side the black line continues to hold, and crews are monitoring the area around Las Tusas and the sawmill and working to protect them from further impacts. Firefighters were able to go direct in the area around the United World College and reduce the threat significantly. North of NM Highway 283 near Las Vegas, firefighters are tying in constructed line to “cold black” areas already burned and now cooled, bolstering containment lines. On the southwest perimeter, firefighters are working to open roads and construct dozer line. The fire has been active in the Mineral Hills area, but light winds have allowed aerial resources to conduct retardant and water drops to assist firefighters on the ground. Heavy ground and air resources are in the area, including structure crews working to protect homes and values. In the wilderness, crews have been scouting for trails, natural features, and wet areas to tie together to keep fire from moving further west. On the northwestern side, equipment operators are improving dozer lines and crews are helping check the fires edge. Lots of resources are in this area and on the north side helping to put additional fire containment measures in place. Structure protection groups are working up NM Highways 518, 434, and 442. Crews are also monitoring the areas around Ledoux and Pacheco Village to address any remaining issues.
 
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: West to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph in the morning will increase to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts will be around 30 to 35 mph. Maximum temperatures will be in the upper 70’s to lower 80’s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 6 to 12%.
 
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.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 Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires 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.hermitspeak@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.