SANTA FE, NM – May 17, 2022 – The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will implement a forest-wide closure order at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022, prohibiting public access across the entire 1.6-million-acre forest due to active wildfires and extreme fire danger. The closure order will remain in effect until December 31, 2022, unless it is rescinded earlier.

Forest managers consider several factors before implementing fire restrictions or forest closures, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts to businesses and communities. The SFNF coordinates fire restrictions and forest closures with federal, state, tribal and local partners.

All National Forest System lands, recreation sites, roads, trails and trailheads within the boundary of the SFNF will be closed to the general public. County and state roads that cross Forest Service lands are not under the Forest Service’s jurisdiction and will remain open to vehicular traffic. Businesses in local communities will remain open for business during the closure.

The closure order imposing forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions remains in effect. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following activities on the SFNF:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of vegetation and flammable material.
• Blasting, welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• Using an explosive of any kind. (Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on national forests.)
• Operating any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, including chainsaws, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Driving off designated roads. Visitors may park in areas cleared of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway, or in designated parking areas.

Federal, state and local officers, members of an organized rescue team or firefighting force, residents using roads to access private property and any others authorized by permit are exempt from the closure order.

Violations of the closure order carry a mandatory appearance in federal court and are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

The Carson National Forest and parts of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands are also implementing Stage 3 forest closures. Stay up to date on SFNF news by checking the SFNF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

MORA COUNTY - The following communities have been placed into SET STATUS: Guadalupita, South Mora (West), North Mora (West), Lucero, Rainsville, El Turquillo, and Los Cisneros.
 
The communities of Los Hueros, Los Lefebres, Ocate, Naranjos, Chacon, Ojo Feliz & Apache Lake, Sierra Bonita, Holman West are in GO STATUS.
 
The communities of Abuelo, Golondrinas, Rito Cebolla, Buena Vista, Puertocito, Penasco Blanco, South Carmen, Ledoux, Santiago Creek, Upper Morphy, Watrous/ Fort Union, North Mora (East), South Mora (East), Guadalupita, South Mora (West), North Mora (West), Lucero, Rainsville, El Turquillo, and Los Cisneros are in SET STATUS.
 
There are no communities currently in READY STATUS.
We want to remind all residents in Mora County, as evacuation levels change and your residence becomes deemed an area of evacuation, we encourage you to take immediate action. This is a long-term event.
 
ROAD CLOSURES Mora County: N.M. 518 is closed between mile posts 36 (Junction of N.M. 518 and N.M. 121) and 58 (Rock Wall). N.M. 442 is closed between mile posts 6 (CR A027) and 19 (Ocate). N.M. 434 is closed between mile posts 16 and 32 (2 miles south of Angel Fire). N.M. 121 is closed between mile posts 0 and 8.

New Mexico Department of Transportation Release
 LAS VEGAS/ MORA – The following road closures are in place. Please be advised that these routes are open for evacuation only, no reentry is allowed.- N.M. 518 is closed between mile posts 32 (Jct. of N.M. 518 and CR B019) and 58 (Rock Wall).- N.M. 434 is closed between mile markers 2 (Transfer Station) to 32 (2 miles south of Angel Fire)- N.M. 442 is closed between mile posts .2 (CR A027) and 19 (Ocate).- N.M. 121 is closed between mile markers 0 (Jct. at 518) to 8- N.M. 120 at mile post 17.2 (Jct. of N.M. 120 & N.M. 442) is closed.- N.M. 276 is closed between mile markers 0 to 5 (Maestas)- N.M. 65 is closed at mile post 15 (El Porvenir)- N.M. 105 is closed at mile post 3 (Transfer station)- County Road A4A is being restricted at the junction of CR A4A and A34- County Road CR A19A is closed between the junctions of CR A19A and CR A31 (North San Pablo) and CR A19A and CR A20. (Ojitos Frios)- N.M. 223 is closed at mile post 2 (Forest Service Boundary).- N.M. 75 is closed at mile post 20 (Rock Wall)
 The New Mexico Department of Transportation wants to remind all motorist that these routes are available for evacuation only, no re-entry is allowed.

 Acres: 299,565| Containment: 26% | Total personnel: 2,094 |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: A trend of warming and drying today will reduce any moisture that was received over the fire area yesterday. Fire activity may increase with critically dry fuels and rising temperatures and wind speeds. All zones of the fire will continue to utilize air support when conditions allow. Structure protection and line construction remain the focus of firefighting efforts. In the event of a new start, firefighters will support suppression efforts alongside local area fire personnel. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax Counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures.  

Operations:

South (SWIMT3): Firefighters made progress on the southwest side of the fire yesterday. They were able to get the fireline from below Barillas Peak up to the Skyline Trail. Crews are also constructing additional contingency lines in that area. The fire was active but growth was limited. Structure protection crews continue working in Upper and Lower Colonias, Bull Creek, Cow Creek, and west to the Pecos River. Further north, the fire moved into Bear Creek in the wilderness and into the Trampas Fire burn scar. Near Rociada, firefighters continue to secure fireline around infrastructure and homes where heat remains. On the east and to the south, crews continue to monitor and address issues and remove sprinkler systems and associated equipment.

Central (SWIMT1):  Water Scooping aircraft were used in the area adjacent to NM Highway 518 to reduce potential alignment between the fire and terrain that could aid in fire growth. The scoopers utilize infrared technology to maximize the effect of their drops on areas of heat and slow fire spread. Heavy “Type 1” helicopters were used to make water drops in the area north of Chacon, holding the fire in check in that area. Structure protection resources continue to move northwest along the NM Highway 518 corridor to evaluate and defend values at risk. Three hotshot crews and four dozers worked on the northernmost tip of the fire to reduce fire spread into an area of heavy fuel loading (thick timber and brush) to the north.

North (CIMT2): Yesterday, planning continued to be productive. The North Zone was able to validate strategic values at risk and work with adjoining forces to be prepared for future fire activity. Even though it rained on sections of the fire, we ask the public to stay vigilant due to ongoing extreme fire danger. The North Zone will continue additional planning further out from the fire's edge, especially ahead of the forecasted winds later in the week.

Evacuations: Scan the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/HermitsPeak for the evacuation map and follow:

San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office Facebook: facebook.com/smcso.nm

Mora County Sheriff’s Office Facebook: facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice

Taos County Sheriff’s Office Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064642843163

Weather: Today it will be partly cloudy with a warming and drying trend, and winds shifting back to a more west to southwest direction. Maximum sustained winds will be west-northwest at 16-21 mph with gusts to 28 mph across the higher exposed areas, south-southwest 11-14 mph with gusts to 20 mph for the valleys and sheltered areas. Maximum temperatures will be in the high 70s. Minimum relative humidity values will be in the 5 to 10% range.  

Restrictions: Carson National Forest Camino Real Ranger District closure order and map: fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices. Santa Fe National Forest Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District closure order and map: fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009. Both have forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions in place.

Smoke: An interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Fire Information: Fire Information Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-356-2636 | Email: 2022.hermitspeak@firenet.gov Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8069/ | facebook.com/CalfCanyonHermitsPeak | nmfireinfo.com/   

Acres: 298,060
Containment: 27%
Total personnel: 2,015Start 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: Dynamic weather patterns are anticipated today. Dry thunderstorms in the afternoon will likely cause very active fire behavior and increase potential for fire spread. The fire is expected to remain active, with critically dry fuels and near-record temperatures. All zones of the fire will continue to utilize air support when conditions allow. Fire managers have plans in place to cover both current fire activity and the potential for new lightning-caused fires. In the event of a new start, firefighters will support suppression efforts alongside local area fire personnel. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax Counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures. 

Operations:

South (SWIMT3): The most active area in the South Zone yesterday was the southwest side. Below Barillas Peak and further north, the fire spotted over dozer lines. The fire became established where this occurred due to shifting winds and complex terrain. Fire leadership is evaluating where to connect road and trail systems with dozer lines to keep it east of the Pecos corridor. Structure protection measures continue in Upper and Lower Colonias, Bull Canyon, and Cow Creek. Around Rociada and Gascon, the fire flared up around several structures yesterday, but firefighters were able to put them out. Crews are monitoring the east side, and the containment lines continue to hold. 
 
Central (SWIMT1): Firing operations were conducted on NM Highway 434 near Guadalupita and retardant was used to reinforce contingency lines along the Luna fire scar. Structure protection groups continue working near Sierra Bonita and north to Angel Fire. A contingency group is working in the areas to the west of Angel Fire as well. Highway 518 may be impacted this afternoon with the arrival of the dry thunderstorms and the southwest winds. Firefighters are conducting structure triage and assessing for any further needs near the communities of Llano Largo as well as on the southwest side of Angel Fire. 

North (CIMT2): Today we continue to proactively pre-plan for possible situations that may arise from changing weather and fire conditions. We continue to identify values at risk with coordination across all zones. Priorities still remain the protection of the communities, wildlife, and assets of these areas.
Evacuations:  Evacuation maps available at on ArcGIS and follow: 

• San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
• Mora County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
• Taos County Sheriff’s Office Facebook

Weather: Dry thunderstorms anticipated this afternoon. South to southwest winds expected throughout the day, which will push the fire to the north and northeast. Today will be a dynamic and active day for the fire. Minimum relative humidity remains in the single digits. Any moisture today will be in the form of verga, which is precipitation that will evaporate before it can hit the ground and due to that will have little to no impact on the fire.

Restrictions: Carson National Forest Camino Real Ranger District closure order and map. Santa Fe National Forest Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District closure order and map. Both have forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions in place.

Smoke: An interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. 

Fire Information: Fire Information Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-356-2636 | Email: 2022.hermitspeak@firenet.gov Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8069/ | facebook.com/CalfCanyonHermitsPeak | nmfireinfo.com/

News from San Miguel and Mora County

SAN MIGUEL - The following communities have been placed into SETSTATUS: Holy Ghost, Tres Lagunas, El Macho, and Lower La Posada. The following communities have been placed into
READY STATUS: of Camino Rincon,  Rivera  Ridge,  Pecos  Southwest,  Pecos  Southeast,  East  Pecos  North,  East  Pecos  South,  and  Pecos National Monument.

The communities of Rociada, Upper Rociada, San Pablo, Bull Canyon, Cow Creek, Upper and Lower Colonias, are in GO STATUS.  

The communities of 527-525 Hwy 518, Big Pine, Canoncito, Canovas Canyon, Chavez, Country Acres, County A3, Cow Creek, D Bibb East, D Bibb West, E Las Tusas, E Sapello, El Porvenir, Emplazado, Gallinas, Gunner Trail, Hot  Springs,  La  Canada,  Las  Dispensas,  Lone  Pine  Mesa,  Lower  Canyon  Road,  Manuelitas,  Pendaries  Valley East,  Pendaries  Village,  Porvenir  Canyon,  Romeroville  West,  San  Ignacio,  Storrie  Lake,  Taylor  Wells,  Tierra Monte-Canon, Trout Springs, W Las Tusas, Mineral Hill, San Geronimo, Ojitos Frios, W Sapello, Holy Ghost, Tres Lagunas, El Macho, and Lower La Posadaarein SET STATUS. 

We  want  to  remind  all  residents  in  San  Miguel  and  Mora  counties,  as  evacuation  levels  change  and  your residence becomes deemed an area of evacuation, we encourage you to take immediate action. This is a long-term event.

ROAD CLOSURES 

San Miguel County:

N.M.  518  is  closed  between  mile  posts  26  (La  Cueva)  and  52  (Sipapu).  N.M.  94  is  closed  at  mile  post  18 (Restricting access to Mora). N.M. 105 is closed at mile post 4. N.M. 276 is closed at mile post 0, N.M. 65 will be closed at mile post 15.CR A19A is closed between the junctions of CR A19A and CR A31 (North) and CR A19A and CR A20.(South). N.M. 223 is closed at mile post 2 (Forest Service Boundary).

Mora County:
 
 N.M.  518  is  closed  between  mile  posts  26  (La  Cueva)  and  52  (Sipapu).  N.M.  94  is  closed  at  mile  post  18 (Restricting access to Mora). N.M. 442 is closed at mile post 19 (Ocate). N.M. 434 is closed at mile post 26 (Black Lake). N.M. 121 is closed between mile posts 0 and 8.

Ready, Set Go, Wildland Fire Action Guide

Visit the ArcGIS Map for the latest evacuation map. Please follow San Miguel County and Mora County Sheriff’s Facebook pages for the latest updates at: 

Evacuation Shelter Sites Information

San Miguel County Shelters

• Old Memorial Middle School Gymnasium, 947 Old National Rd. in Las Vegas
• Glorieta Adventure Camps, 11 NM-50 in Glorieta
• Genoveva Chavez Community Center, 3221 Rodeo Rd, Santa Fe  

San Miguel County Livestock Shelters

• The Zamora Arena continues to be utilized to temporarily house evacuated horses and livestock. Contact Matthew Romero with the New Mexico Livestock Board at, 575-643-6805.

Contact

Travis Martinez, PIO | Travis.Martinez@state.nm.us | (505) 617-5900 

May 15th, 2022 / 8:00pm

PRESS RELEASE

 

Hello Taos County constituents.  The movement and conditions of the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire currently burning in San Miguel, Mora, Colfax, and Taos Counties has caused us to reevaluate the READY – SET – GO status in southern Taos County. 

Ready – Set – Go defined

 

LEVEL 1: “READY” for potential evacuation.  Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area - it is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and pets/livestock.. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE. Have your “GO Bag” ready. . LEVEL 2: “BE SET” to evacuate.  YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO LEAVE AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE. There is a significant threat/danger to your area. Residents should  voluntarily relocate now.  THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE YOU RECEIVE.   LEVEL 3: “GO” Evacuate NOW - LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current and imminent, and you should evacuate immediately.  DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE.  Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe.  

 

Areas within Taos County that are in evacuation stage(s):

GO status – HWY518 from Rockwall (HWY 518 and HWY 75 intersection east to the Mora County line.

SET status – HWY 75 from Rockwall west to HWY 73, including the communities Placitas, Vidato, and Valdez.   

READY status – HWY 75 west of HWY 73, including the communities of greater Penasco.   US64 from MM260 east to the Colfax County line, including Shady Brook and Ville Escondido. 

Scan the QR code here for the latest evacuation map or visit the ArcGIS Map at; https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bfb95b09412840c0afd99626ea2bee4f

Shelters in Taos County:   Peñasco High School Address:13 Old School Rd, Peñasco, NM 87553 Contact: (575)-587-2502   Juan Gonzales AG Center 202 Camisa Rd Taos, NM 87571 Contact: Bobby Lucero (575) 779-9381   Red River Convention Center Address: 101 E River Street, Red River, NM 87558 Contact: (575)-754-1708   Taos County Sheriff's Posse Rodeo Grounds (For RV's and those with livestock)(meals will be delivered) Address: 230 Camino de la Merced, Taos, NM 87571 For Livestock, please call Livestock Inspector: Ruben Baca (575)-770-1490   Other Services Include: Taos Youth & Family Center (access to showers) 6:00 am - 6:00 pm 407 Paseo del Canon East Taos, NM 8757   To donate food, clothing, money, etc. visit the American Red Cross webpage.  For fire information and shelters log on to inciweb.nwcg.gov, call (505)356-2636, or visit the Santa Fe National Forest Facebook page.

 

   

Sincerely,

Jerry L. Hogrefe

County Sheriff

San Miguel and Mora County News Release

SAN MIGUEL - The following communities have been placed into GO STATUS: Bull Canyon, Cow Creek, Upper and Lower Colonias.

The community of San Pablo remains in GO STATUS.

The communities of 527-525 Hwy 518, Big Pine, Bull Canyon, Canoncito, Canovas Canyon, Chavez, Country Acres, County A3, Cow Creek, Upper & Lower Colonias, D Bibb East, D Bibb West, E Las Tusas, E Sapello, El Porvenir, Emplazado, Gallinas, Gunner Trail, Hot Springs, La Canada, Las Dispensas, Lone Pine Mesa, Lower Canyon Road, Manuelitas, Pendaries Valley East, Pendaries Village, Porvenir Canyon, Romeroville West, San Ignacio, Storrie Lake, Taylor Wells, Tierra Monte - Canon, Trout Springs, W Las Tusas, Mineral Hill, San Geronimo, Ojitos Frios and W Sapello remain in SET STATUS. 

The communities of Camp Luna, Cinder Road, Crestone, NMBHI, and Romeroville East remain in READY STATUS. 

We want to remind all residents in San Miguel and Mora counties, as evacuation levels change and your residence becomes deemed an area of evacuation, we encourage you to take immediate action. This is a long-term event.

ROAD CLOSURES 
 
San Miguel County: 

 N.M. 518 is closed between mile posts 26 (La Cueva) and 52 (Sipapu). N.M. 94 is closed at mile post 18 (Restricting access to Mora). N.M. 105 is closed at mile post 4. N.M. 276 is closed at mile post 0, N.M. 65 will be closed at mile post 15. CR A19A is closed between the junctions of CR A19A and CR A31 (North) and CR A19A and CR A20. (South). N.M. 223 is closed at mile post 2 (Forest Service Boundary).

Mora County: 

N.M. 518 is closed between mile posts 26 (La Cueva) and 52 (Sipapu). N.M. 94 is closed at mile post 18 (Restricting access to Mora). N.M. 442 is closed at mile post 19 (Ocate). N.M. 434 is closed at mile post 26 (Black Lake). N.M. 121 is closed between mile posts 0 and 8. 

Contact

Travis Martinez, PIO | Travis.Martinez@state.nm.us | 505 617-5900 

San Miguel and Mora County News Release

LAS VEGAS - The following communities have been placed into SET STATUS: Mineral Hill, San Geronimo, and Ojitos Frios. Please be advised that power has not been fully restored in areas of these repopulated areas.

The community of San Pablo is still in GO STATUS.

The communities of 527-525 Hwy 518, Big Pine, Bull Canyon, Canoncito, Canovas Canyon, Chavez, Country Acres, County A3, Cow Creek, Upper & Lower Colonias, D Bibb East, D Bibb West, E Las Tusas, E Sapello, El Porvenir, Emplazado, Gallinas, Gunner Trail, Hot Springs, La Canada, Las Dispensas, Lone Pine Mesa, Lower Canyon Road, Manuelitas, Pendaries Valley East, Pendaries Village, Porvenir Canyon, Romeroville West, San Ignacio, Storrie Lake, Taylor Wells, Tierra Monte – Canon, Trout Springs, W Las Tusas, Mineral Hill, San Geronimo, Ojitos Frios and W Sapello remain in SET STATUS.

The communities of Camp Luna, Cinder Road, Crestone, NMBHI, and Romeroville East remain in READY STATUS. 

We want to remind all residents in San Miguel and Mora counties, as evacuation levels change and your residence becomes deemed an area of evacuation, we encourage you to take immediate action. This is a long-term event.

ROAD CLOSURES

San Miguel County:
 
N.M. 518 is closed between mile posts 26 (La Cueva) and 52 (Sipapu). N.M. 94 is closed at mile post 18 (Restricting access to Mora). N.M. 105 is closed at mile post 4. N.M. 276 is closed at mile post 0, N.M. 65 will be closed at mile post 15. CR A19A is closed between the junctions of CR A19A and CR A31 (North) and CR A19A and CR A20. (South)
 
Mora County:

N.M. 518 is closed between mile posts 26 (La Cueva) and 52 (Sipapu). N.M. 94 is closed at mile post 18 (Restricting access to Mora). N.M. 442 is closed at mile post 19 (Ocate). N.M. 434 is closed at mile post 26 (Black Lake). N.M. 121 is closed between mile posts 0 and 8.

Contact:
Travis Martinez, PIO | Travis.Martinez@state.nm.us | 505 617-5900

News Release from the New Mexico Department of Transportation

LAS VEGAS – The following road closures are still in place.  Please be advised that these routes are open for evacuation only, no reentry is allowed.

• N.M. 518 is closed between mile markers 26 (La Cueva) to 52 (Sipapu)
• N.M. 518 is restricted from CR A011 due to wildfire 
• N.M. 94 is closed at mile post 17.5- N.M. 434 is closed between mile markers 0 (Mora) to 32 (2 miles south of Angel Fire)
• N.M. 442 is closed at mile post 0 (Jct. of N.M. 442 and N.M. 518) to mile post 21 (Ocate)
• N.M. 121 is closed between mile markers 0 (jct. at 518) to 8
• N.M. 120 at mile post 17.2 (Jct. of N.M. 120 & N.M. 442) is closed.
• N.M. 276 is closed between mile markers 0 to 5 (Maestas)
• N.M. 65 is closed at mile post 15 (El Porvenir)
• N.M. 283 is closed between mile markers 1 (Detention Center) to 13 (Mineral Hill)
• N.M. 105 is closed at mile post 3 (Transfer station)
• County Road A4A is being restricted at the junction of CR A4A and A34 

The New Mexico Department of Transportation wants to remind all motorist that these routes are available for evacuation only, no re-entry is allowed.   

Contact

Travis Martinez, District-4 PIO | Travis.Martinez@state.nm.us | 505 617-6900