San Miguel/ Mora County News Release

LAS VEGAS - The following communities of Canovas Canyon, Trout Springs, Gallinas, Lower Canyon Road, El Porvenir, Porvenir Canyon, and Big Pine have been downgraded to SET STATUS.

The communities of Rociada, Upper Rociada, NMBHI, Mineral Hill, San Pablo, San Geronimo, and Ojitos Frios are still under GO STATUS. Please continue to stay informed by following local media, local fire alerts, and county emergency notifications.

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. 283 is closed between mile posts 1 (San Miguel Detention Center) and 15. N.M. 65 will be closed at mile post 15.

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 Information 
 
Travis Martinez, Public Information Officer - travis.martinez@state.nm.us – (505) 617-5900

MORA - The following communities of Upper Morphy, Santiago Creek, Abuelo, Ledoux, South Carmen, Penasco Blanco, Puertocito, Buena Vista, Rito Cebolla, and Golondrinas have been downgraded to SET STATUS.

The following communities remain in GO STATUS, South Mora, North Mora, El Turquillo, Los Cisneros, Lucero, Rainsville, Holman West, Chacon, Guadalupita South, Guadalupita North, Ojo Feliz and Apache Lake, Los Hueros, Los Lefebres Ocate, and Naranjos.

Please continue stay informed by following local media, local fire alerts, and county emergency notifications.

ROAD CLOSURES 

San Miguel County: 

N.M. 518 is closed between mile posts 24 (La Cueva) and 52 (Sipapu). N.M. 94 is closed at mile post 8. N.M. 105 is closed at mile post 4. N.M. 276 is closed at mile post 0, N.M. 283 is closed between mile posts 1 (San Miguel Detention Center) and 15. N.M. 65 will be closed at mile post 15. 

Mora County: 

N.M. 518 is closed between mile posts 24 (La Cueva) and 52 (Sipapu). N.M. 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, Public Information Officer - travis.martinez@state.nm.us – (505) 617-5900

TAOS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE

Hello Taos County constituents. The events surrounding the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire that is currently burning in San Miguel, Mora, Colfax, and Taos Counties has rightfully caused great concern and compassion within our communities. While this incident is an unprecedented event, our pre-planning and pre-staged resources, along with our Local, State, and Federal Partners, Red Cross, and many other community groups, are making the best of a very bad situation.

Your Taos County Management Team understands your concerns. However, it is important to mention that 911 is NOT an information hotline. Dispatchers are tasked with real emergencies so please DO NOT call 911 unless you have a true emergency to report. For fire information and shelters log on to inciweb.nwcg.gov, call (505)356-2636, or visit the Santa Fe National Forest Facebook page. 

To correct any misinformation, I want to share the following, so everyone knows what Ready – Set – Go evacuation status is and where the local shelters are operating. 

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. 

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 mm 52 (Sipapu Resort) east to the Mora County line. HWY 518 is closed at MM52.
SET status – HWY518 from Rockwall to MM52(Sipapu Resort).
READY status – US64 from MM260 east to the Colfax County line. 

Visit the ArcGIS for latest evacuation map. 

Shelters in Taos County:Peñasco High SchoolAddress:13 Old School Rd, Peñasco, NM 87553Contact: (575)-587-2502 

Juan Gonzales AG Center
202 Camisa Rd Taos, NM 87571Contact: Bobby Lucero (575) 779-9381

Red River Convention Center
Address: 101 E River Street, Red River, NM 87558Contact: (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 87571For 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 pm407 Paseo del Canon East Taos, NM 8757

To donate food, clothing, money, etc. visit the American Red Cross webpage. 

TAOS, NM –May 11, 2022 –The Camino Real Ranger District of the Carson National Forest will close Thursday morning due to the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires. Forest visitors will need to vacate Forest Service lands within the district by 6:00  a.m., Thursday, May 12, when the closure begins. The fires have prompted numerous evacuation statuses for communities within and adjacent to the Forest. 

The fires have crossed into the district, which is located on the southeast side of the Forest.

The closure only affects lands, roads and trails managed by the Forest Service. Private property and local roads/highways will remain open, unless evacuated or closed by local and/or state authorities. Some local roads and areas are already closed along the Highway 518 corridor.

Forest areas remaining open will continue to be in Stage 2 fire restrictions. Stage 3 fire restrictions, which would close a portion or all of the Forest, may be implemented soon.

 All area residents, regardless of current evacuation status, are encouraged to have an emergency kit and an evacuation plan. More tips can be found in the Forest’s latest monthly wildfire preparedness message

Follow the Carson National Forest Alerts and Notices Page for more information.  

COLFAX COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE NEW RELEASE

Effective at 11:30 A.M. on the Hermits Peak /Calf Canyon Fire, Colfax County Sheriff's Office in consultation with Colfax County Emergency Management is placing the following communities in READY Evacuation status:

• Vietnam Memorial Area
• Taos Pines 

The following communities have been moved to SET status:

• Village of Angel Fire 

The following communities have been moved to GO Status:

• Black Lake
• Black Lake Resort
• Hidden Lake 

The status changes are necessary due to current fire behavior and predicted weather, verified by fire models that show significant potential for fire growth to the north. We want to stress that there is not an immediate threat and there are no fires in the area. We ask that everyone evacuate through north through Angel Fire to US 64 West to Taos or East to Raton. You will see Colfax County Sheriff's deputies, New Mexico State Police, and the New Mexico National Guard going door to door asking you to evacuate. You can call 1-800-432-2080 for evacuation sites if you need assistance evacuating contact local law enforcement Raton Central Dispatch 575-445-2704 or Red River Dispatch 575-754-6166.

We want to stress that Ready Status does not mean you have to evacuate your homes now. Instead, it is a way of identifying communities that could potentially be impacted by future evacuation orders. A real simple explanation of the Ready, Set, Go means of evacuation notice is as follows. Again, we stress, there is no need to leave you homes just yet, instead, get prepared. If we need to escalate these evacuation orders, we will provide you with instructions on shelter locations and escape routes. Keep tuned to local Radio and social media. Thank you. 

READY - Prepare Now Prepare for the hazards that can threaten your community. Meaning get prepared now just in case. 

~ Register with your county emergency notification system. Our emergency notification system can be found at the county website under Emergency Management.
~ Public Service announcements can be viewed at the Sheriff's web page~ Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats.~ Make a family communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts, and family meeting locations.~ Assemble an emergency supplies kit (Go Kit). Start with the five P's: people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.~ Check with your neighbors, family, friends, and elders to ensure they are READY .~Keep up to date on local news, weather watches and warnings.

SET - Be Alert There is significant danger in your area. Simply put, Load Up the Truck.
~ Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area.
~ Grab your emergency supplies kit .
~ Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock .
~ Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety officials. This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.

GO - Evacuate Danger in your area is current and life-threatening. GET OUT NOW!
 
~ Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.
~ If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
~ Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas. 

 New Mexico Department Homeland Security Emergency Operations Center News Release

TAOS – The Taos Canyon community has been placed into READY STATUS. While in Ready Status, residents should create a family disaster plan that includes meeting locations, communication plans, and gathering important family documents like birth certificates, wills, deeds and insurance policies. 

We want to remind all residents of Taos County, as evacuation levels change and your resident becomes deemed an area of evacuation, we encourage you to take immediate action. This is a long-term event, and we do not anticipate having ‘control’ of this fire any time soon. 

Community Evacuation Status in Taos County
 
GO (Mandatory Full Evacuation) 

Taos CountyThe Community of Angostura is still in GO STATUS. 

SET (Prepare for Evacuation)

Taos County
The communities of Rock Wall, Las Mochas, and Sipapu have are still in SET STATUS.  

READY (Prepare for Possible Evacuation)

Taos County 
The Taos Canyon community is in READY STATUS. 

Ready, Set Go, Wildland Fire Action Guide

Evacuation Information 
Evacuations: Scan the QR code here for the latest evacuation map or visit the ArcGIS Map. The Taos County Sheriffs ask that all residents within the fire area remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures. It is imperative to respect closures and follow evacuation orders. The Incident Management Team, along with law enforcement and fire departments are closely monitoring and evaluating the fire status. 

Evacuation Shelter Sites Information

Taos County

• Penasco High School Gymnasium, 13 Old School Road, Contact: Emma Empey (702) 743-8973
• Juan Gonzales AG Center, 202 Camisa Rd, Taos, Contact: Bobby Lucero (575) 779-9381 

Taos Shelter Site for Horses and Livestock: The Taos County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Grounds is being utilized for livestock. Call Livestock Inspector Ruben Baca at 575-770-1490.

* If you are keeping livestock at these locations, please make arrangements to ensure your animals are fed and watered. 

Road Closures: N.M. 518 is closed at mile post 52. N.M. 518 is only utilized for evacuation purposes. 

Contact
 
Travis Martinez, NMEOC Public Information Officer - travis.martinez@state.nm.us – (505) 617-5900 

Acres:  236,939 acres
Containment: 33%
Total personnel:  1,863
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: Red Flag Warnings continue today from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with strong winds, high temperatures, and single-digit relative humidity values. This results in extreme fire behavior and rapid growth. Large smoke clouds could be seen for around a hundred miles around the fire in all directions yesterday. Spot fires continue to be a concern as winds blow embers ahead of the fire into extremely receptive grass, brush, and trees. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were able to fly yesterday on the north and south to support firefighters on the ground. They will continue today as the wind allows. Resources are being moved strategically around the fire from areas with lessening activity to those that are very active. The Temporary Flight Restriction has been extended and applies to all drones and aircraft not working the fire. In areas with a downgraded evacuation status, please be careful of firefighters and utility workers as you go back to your homes. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures. 

Operations: On the north side yesterday, the fire crossed another section of Highway 518 near Holman Hill and moved towards Chacon. Firefighters are engaged, and structure protection crews are working to protect homes and other values. The previous spot fire that established over Highway 518 Sunday made a big run, pushing up to between Chacon and Guadulapita. It’s predicted to be 1-2 miles from the Colfax County line by the end of the day. Structure protection continues in the highway corridors, and canyon communities and crews will work north as the fire progresses into newly impacted areas, including Taos and Colfax Counties. The east side from Ledoux to Las Vegas is in patrol status. Crews are beginning to remove sprinkler systems no longer needed and move them to other areas of the fire. From the east side, pockets of interior fuels may be seen burning out but pose no threat to the containment lines. The fire has been highly active on the south, but the visible smoke columns have been within the containment lines. Crews are tying additional dozer lines, roads, and trails together to keep the fire from moving further south, and the winds are causing the fire to push back into itself. On the southwest towards Pecos, firefighters are proactively working on getting in fireline, and structure protection measures have been implemented in Bull Canyon. Around Gascon and Rociada, crews are still putting in dozer and handline and keeping the fire away from structures. The fire continues to move into the Pecos Wilderness towards Lone Pine Mesa, Blue Bell Ridge, and further up near Enchantment 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 updates.

Weather: On the southern end, winds will be south to southwest 28 to 32 mph with gusts to 50. In the Mora River Valley, winds will be south to southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35. Maximum temperatures will be in the upper 60’s to low 80’s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 10 to 19%.

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. 

News Release from New Mexico Department Homeland Security Emergency Operations Center

Taos County Evacuations

TAOS- The communities of Rock Wall, Las Mochas, and Sipapu have been placed into SET STATUS. Set Status means you should prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of evacuation BEFORE wildfire arrives, which means you must immediately evacuate to a safe area.

We want to remind all residents of Taos County, as evacuation levels change and your resident becomes deemed an area of evacuation, we encourage you to take immediate action. This is a long-term event, and we do not anticipate having 'control' of this fire any time soon. Community Evacuation Status in Taos County:
 
GO (Full Evacuation) 

The Community of Angostura has been placed into GO STATUS

SET (Prepare for Evacuation)
 
The communities of Rock Wall, las Mochas, and Sipapu have been placed into SET STATUS.

There is currently no communities in Ready Status.

Evacuations: Latest evacuation map or visit the ArcGIS Map. The San Miguel and Mora County Sheriffs ask that all residents within the fire area remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures. It is imperative to respect closures and follow evacuation orders.

Please follow San Miguel County and Mora County Sheriff's Facebook pages for the latest updates.

The Incident Management Team, along with law enforcement and fire departments are closely monitoring and evaluating the fire status. 

Evacuation Shelter Sites Information

Taos County:

- Penasco High School Gymnasium, 13 Old School Road, Contact: Emma Empey (702) 743-8973Juan Gonzales AG Center, 202 Camisa Rd, Taos, Contact: Bobby Lucero (575) 779-9381
Taos Shelter Site for Horses and livestock: The Taos County Sheriff's Posse Rodeo Grounds is being utilized for livestock. Call Livestock Inspector Ruben Baca at 575-770-1490.
 
* If you are keeping livestock at these locations, please make arrangements to ensure your animals are fed and watered.
Road Closures: N.M. 518 is closed at the Taos/ San Miguel County line, mile post 42.  

NEWS RELEASE FROM COLFAX COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Effective at 3:30 P.M. on the Hermits Peak /Calf Canyon Fire, Colfax County Sheriff's Office in consultation with Colfax County Emergency Management is placing the following communities in READY

Evacuation status:

• Vietnam Memorial Area
• Taos Pines
• Village of Angel Fire

The following communities have been moved to SET Status:

• Black Lake
• Black Lake Resort
• Hidden Lake

The status changes are necessary due to current fire behavior and predicted weather, verified by fire models that show significant potential for fire growth to the north. We want to stress that there is not an immediate threat and there are no fires in area. If the time comes that we have to evacuate we ask that everyone evacuate through Angel fire.

We want to stress that Ready Status does not mean you have to evacuate your homes now. Instead, it is a way of identifying communities that could potentially be impacted by future evacuation orders. A real simple explanation of the Ready, Set, Go means of evacuation notice is as follows. Again, we stress, there is no need to leave you homes just yet, instead, get prepared. If we need to escalate these evacuation orders, we will provide you with instructions on shelter locations and escape routes. Keep tuned to local Radio and social media. Thank you.
 
READY- Prepare Now Prepare for the hazards that can threaten your community. Meaning get prepared now just in case.
 
~ Register with your county emergency notification system. Our emergency notification system can be found at the county website under Emergency Management. 
~ Public Service announcements can be viewed at the Sheriff's web page.~ Take steps now to prepare for seasonal threats.
~ Make a family communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts, and family meeting locations.
~ Assemble an emergency supplies kit (Go Kit). Start with the five P's: people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.
~ Check with your neighbors, family, friends, and elders to ensure they are READY.
~ Keep up to date on local news, weather watches and warnings.

SET - Be Alert There is significant danger in your area. Simply put, Load Up the Truck.
 
~ Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area.
~ Grab your emergency supplies kit.~ Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
~ Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety officials. This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.

GO - Evacuate Danger in your area is current and life-threatening. GET OUT NOW!
~ Residents should evacuate immediately to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.
~ If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand emergency services may not be able to assist you further.
~ Follow instructions from emergency personnel, stay on designated evacuation routes and avoid closed areas. 

 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.