Single Publication

SANTA FE, NM – April 8, 2022 – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has issued a closure order to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Hermits Peak Fire. The order is effective from now until Dec. 31, 2022, unless rescinded earlier.

The Hermits Peak Fire started on April 6 after multiple spot fires spread outside the boundary of the Las Dispensas prescribed burn on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District. The Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Hermits Peak Fire today. Updates on fire operations are posted on the SFNF website, www.nmfireinfo.com and Inciweb.

The closure order prohibits members of the public from entering the restricted area, including all Forest Service lands and trails within an area roughly defined by Forest Road (FR) 263 at the eastern forest boundary, continuing westward to the intersection of FR 263 and FR 263B, then following FR 263B north to Blue Bell Ridge Trail 212, continuing on Trail 212 northward to Blue Bell Trail 10, then following Trail 10 to the junction with Beaver Creek Trail 247, taking a small westward jog to the intersection with Lone Pine Mesa Trail 214, then following Trail 214 east to the Lone Pine Trailhead at the Pecos Wilderness boundary and following the wilderness boundary eastward to the SFNF boundary, then following the forest boundary south to the starting point at FR 263.

Fire behavior can be unpredictable, and fire managers are asking the public to exercise caution and steer clear of all areas that could be impacted by the Hermits Peak Fire.