Single Publication

San Miguel /Mora County News Release

Calf Canyon Current Fire Evacuations

April 28, 2022 at 3:00 PM

     Media Contacts:       Joy Ansley    505-239-3973, jansley@co.sanmiguel.nm.us  

            Jesus Romero    505-617-8023, jmromero@co.sanmiguel.nm.us

Las Vegas, NM 3:00 pm: The San Miguel and Mora County Sheriffs ask that all residents within the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire areas remain on high alert for changes to the following evacuation statuses. Red Flag weather this afternoon and tomorrow could result in sudden changes to closures and evacuation levels. Please watch for updates on social media or call the fire information line at 505-356-2636 to get the most up-to-date information.

It is imperative to respect closures and follow evacuation orders. Failure to do so can pose additional risk to firefighters and the public.

Highway 518 is now open. Please drive carefully and be aware of fire traffic in the area.

Community Evacuation Status in San Miguel and Mora Counties:

GO (mandatory full evacuation, colored green): In San Miguel County, Big Pine, Canovas Canyon, Porvenir Canyon, El Porvenir, Lower Canyon Road, Gallinas, Trout Springs, San Ignacio, Lone Pine Mesa, Chavez, Canoncito, Pendaries Village, Pendaries Valley East, Rociada, Upper Rociada and Tierra Monte Canon, La Canada, Las Tusas, and Manuelitas are all still in GO status. 

In Mora County, Penasco Blanco, South Carmen, Rito Cebolla, Ledoux, Upper Morphy, Santiago Creek, Abuelo, Puertocito and Buena Vista are all still in GO status.

SET (prepare for evacuation, colored yellow): The community of Mora SOUTH of Highway 518 is in ready status approximately 1.5 miles south to roadblocks on A001, A011 and 94. The area south of these roadblocks is in GO status.

READY (get ready for possible evacuation, colored red):

In San Miguel, the area of 527-525 on Highway 518 as well as East and West Sapello are in READY status.

In Mora County, Rito Cebolla, Buena Vista, and the community of Mora NORTH of Highway 518 are all in READY status.

The areas of Las Dispensas, County Road A3 and Los Alamitos are no longer under evacuation.

San Miguel & Mora County Sheriff’s Departments and local law enforcement, along with the Incident Management Team will continue to perform re-assessments of these evacuation levels as the fire progresses. As we continue to work, please stay vigilant and adhere to instructions from press releases, law enforcement and fire personnel. The evacuation map is attached. This emerging situation remains extremely serious and refusal to evacuate could be a fatal decision. 

Please remember that drones are still prohibited in the temporary flight restriction zone, outlined on the map. The evacuation/flight zone map is attached. If drones enter the flight zone, firefighting aircraft are grounded.

Road Closures: In San Miguel County, State Road 65 at the Montezuma Pond, and CR A27 are closed.  County Road A3A and CR A4A are closed and State Roads 105, 94, 266 and 276 remain closed. Highway 518 is now open. County Road A3 is open to State Road 266.

Road closures in Mora County include C001, State Road 94 at LeDoux Hill. County Road A011 is closed south from the roadblock approximately 1.5 miles from 518.

Lake Isabel is closed to the public.

Power Outages: Power has been shut down in some evacuated areas. Lines will be re-energized when conditions are safe for fire personnel and law enforcement.

LIVESTOCK OWNERS: If you have livestock within the evacuation zone, contact NM State Police Dispatch at 505-425-6771 to coordinate a safe escort to your property to feed your animals. Do not enter the evacuation area un-escorted.

Property Losses: Damage and loss assessments are still underway. Notifications will be made to residents as soon as possible. We know this process is difficult for so many members of our community, and we are grateful for your patience.

County Fire Restrictions: All open burning (burning of crop land, fields, range land, debris, burning slash piles, prescribed burning or weed burning) in San Miguel County, shall be banned throughout the unincorporated areas of the County, and the provisions of SMC Ordinance 03-9-99ORD are in effect.  This ban shall prohibit any person from having, causing, starting, igniting and/or using open flame outside of a building, structure, automobile or other enclosed area anywhere, throughout the unincorporated portions of San Miguel County.

Shelter sites:

         San Miguel County: Old Memorial Middle School gym, Legion St. Las Vegas, 505-429-0336

         Mora County: Penasco High School gym, 13 Old School Road- Melissa Sandoval- 575-779-3057  

                     Taos County Agricultural Center- 202 Chamisa Rd., Can accept small household pets

                     Taos Youth and Family Center 407 Paseo del Canon

Shelter site for horses and livestock: The Zamora arena continues to be utilized to temporarily house evacuated horses and livestock.  The contact for livestock and horses is Matthew Romero, Livestock Inspector, 575-643-6805.

Link to Ready, Set Go, Wildland Fire Action Guide:

https://cms6.revize.com/revize/sanmiguelcounty/FINAL-new-mexico-RSG-guide-2017_000.pdf

Updates will be posted on San Miguel County OEM, Sheriff and Fire Facebook pages.