Single Publication

Crews make progress on suppression repair; forest closures remain in effect as debris flows impact roadways and trails August 1, 2022

Acres: 341,735| Containment: 96% | Total personnel: 403|  Start Date: Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022 | Cause: Hermits Peak: Spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: Holdover fire from prescribed pile burn | Location: 12 miles NW of Las Vegas, NM | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass 

Highlights: Containment increased to 96%. Suppression repair work is ongoing, as weather conditions allow. Areas across the fire are experiencing dangerous conditions, such as flooding and debris flows. Residents and visitors are encouraged to review the most current closures at the link below. 
 

Operations: Yesterday, crews were able to make good progress on suppression repair efforts across the fire area, continuing chipping operations, culvert repairs, and mending fences, among other activities. Resources also continue to scout areas and identify work to be completed in the coming days and weeks. 

Crews will continue working on soil stabilization, erosion control, road improvement and other actions until suppression repair is completed. Heavy precipitation is likely to continue causing debris flows in drainages, and washing out roads, which will impede progress. As weather conditions permit, repairs to drainages, road networks, and other identified points will be addressed. 
 

Closures and Restrictions: Area closures remain in effect for both the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests. These closures are in place for ongoing wildfire suppression repair operations, and to protect the public in the event of debris flow and flash flooding. The wildfire suppression repair operations include, but are not limited to, road repair and stabilization, heavy equipment use, and fire line repair efforts. For the latest Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires closure orders information for both the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests, please see the links to each forest’s website below. Information related to fire restrictions across public and private land can be found at: https://nmfireinfo.com/fire-restrictions/. 
 

Weather: Yesterday, scattered showers and lightning storms moved across the area. Locations from Tecolote Creek to Mineral Hill measured a quarter to an inch of rainfall. Weather systems will continue developing, bringing scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms as well as occasional cloud to ground lightning throughout the early week. Temperatures will remain average to a little below average. 
 

Fire Flooding and Recovery Resources: Disaster Assistance Resources: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/| After Wildfire New Mexico Guide: https://www.afterwildfirenm.org/| Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires Burned Area Emergency Response: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8104/ 

For questions or concerns related to flooding, please call the New Mexico State Emergency Operations Center at 1-800-432-2080. For federal disaster assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.  
 

Private Land Suppression Repair Survey (English and Spanish): https://www.tinyurl.com/suppressionrepair  

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-356-2636| Email: 2022.hermitspeak@firenet.gov