SANTA FE, NM – April 6, 2022 – The Las Dispensas prescribed fire on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) was declared a wildfire at approximately 4:30 p.m. today. Although forecasted weather conditions were within parameters for the prescribed burn, unexpected erratic winds in the late afternoon caused multiple spot fires that spread outside the project boundary.
Named the Hermits Peak Fire, the wildfire is approximately 12 miles northwest of Las Vegas and is estimated at 100+ acres. Fire managers have called in additional resources, including a Type 3 incident management team, very large air tanker (VLAT) and lead plane, two hotshot crews and two additional engines.
The Hermits Peak Fire is burning in mixed conifer in steep, rugged terrain. Due to the remote location of the fire and the rugged terrain, the strategy will be full suppression. The Hermits Peak Fire is moving toward the Pecos Wilderness. At this time, there are no direct threats to private property.
Spot weather for tomorrow is forecast to be sunny with a high of 56 degrees and winds out of the northwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour. Smoke from the Hermits Peak Fire may be visible from Gallinas, El Porvenir, San Pablo, Mineral Hill, San Geronimo, Gascon, Pendaries, Las Vegas and along the I-25 corridor. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. The Forest Stewards Guild offers a HEPA Filter Loan Program that are available on a first come/first served basis. Additional information on air filters and the HEPA loan program is posted at http://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program#smokeanchor3.
Fire updates will be posted on Inciweb, the New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Santa Fe National Forest’s Facebook and Twitter pages. For more information, contact the Las Vegas Ranger Station at 505-425-3534 or the Pecos Ranger Station at 505-757-6121.
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