Single Publication

Acres:  203,920 acres
Containment: 39%
Total personnel:  1,759 
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: Firefighters got relief overnight from Red Flag conditions; however, another Red Flag Warning is forecast for today from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Winds will now calm down overnight for several days and the night shift added several additional crews to take advantage of this. Yesterday aircraft was grounded due to the high winds, and today they plan to be up early before the winds pick up. Today the concern continues to be spot fires, where winds blow embers ahead of the fire and start new ones. In areas with a downgraded evacuation status, please be careful of firefighters, utility workers, and others as you go back to your homes. Taos County and Colfax County have issued Ready and Set notifications for some areas as the fire moves north. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures.
 

Operations: The fire spotted across 518 near Holman on Sunday evening and yesterday moved rapidly east towards Highway 434. As it gained momentum, the fire was spotting up to two miles ahead. Today it will continue to move towards Guadalupita South. Firefighters are still working across the north side up the 518, 121, 434, and 442 corridors and in the canyons, implementing structure protection measures to protect homes and other infrastructure. Firefighters will remain as long as it’s safe to do so. The east side from Ledoux to Las Vegas is now contained; however, crews are still working to address any safety concerns. Yesterday the San Miguel Sheriff’s Office began repopulating some evacuation zones on that side, but keep in mind these areas are still in Set status, and people should remain vigilant to changing conditions. On the south, fire remains very active, and crews are heavily engaged in firefighting and structure protection. Firefighters are working on constructing and tying together dozer and handline with existing roads and trail systems to catch it. The fire column visible yesterday was within the containment lines. On the southwest corner, crews are working on contingency lines and determining options to protect the Pecos Valley. Crews are monitoring the fire on the west as it continues to back towards Lone Pine Mesa and Blue Bell Ridge into the Pecos Wilderness. Near Rosiada, firefighters are protecting structures and guiding fire around homes. The fire is still pushing towards the Pecos Wilderness near Enchanted Lake. 

Evacuations: A story map website that has the latest evacuation map, fire perimeter, daily progression map, and closures. Please follow San Miguel County, Mora County, and Taos County Sheriff’s Facebook pages for the latest evacuation updates.

Weather: On the southern end, winds will be south to southwest 25 to 30 mph with gusts to 50. In the Mora River Valley, winds will be south to southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts 30 to 35. Maximum temperatures will be in the upper 60’s to low 80’s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 6 to 12%.

Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest closure order includes the entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District. Forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions have been implemented. Full closure order and map are available.

Smoke: An interactive smoke map 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. Fire information is posted on Inciweb, the SFNF Facebook and Twitter, SFNF website, and New Mexico Fire Information website.