Interactive Maps Information Website
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: Announcement
A new website has been developed to bring together many of the interactive maps and data we have about the Hermits Peak Fire and the Calf Canyon Fire into one single place. These interactive maps are updated daily and contain information on the perimeters of the fires, evacuation information, and fire growth. Click on the tabs to view each map.
Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire Evac Updates 1230 pm May 9
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: Closures
News Release From San Miguel and Mora Counties: The following San Miguel communities have been placed downgraded to SET STATUS: Storrie Lake, 527-525, Las Dispensas and County Road A3, Sapello East and West, Las Tusas, La Canada, San Ignacio, Lone Pine Mesa, Manuelitas, Canoncito, Tierra Monte Canon and Chavez. We want to remind all residents in San Miguel and Mora counties, 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.
Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fires Daily Update 9 am May 9
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: News
Acres: 189,767 acres - Containment: 43% - Total personnel: 1,685
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 59-hour Red Flag Warning began Saturday at 11:00 AM and continues through tonight to 9:00 PM. Additionally, a High Wind Warning began Sunday and goes until 8:00 PM tonight. This rare multi-day event has fueled very active fire behavior and movement. Fire will spread rapidly when winds align with available grass, brush, trees, and other fuels. Due to the wind, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were grounded early Sunday and likely will be today. While firefighters have been engaged around the clock in a battle against this wind-driven fire, they will disengage if their situation becomes too dangerous. However, they remain in communities around the fire to protect homes and values. As the fire moves, fire leadership continues to look further out for places to build contingency lines to slow the fire down and stop it. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) have been extended further to the north and apply to drones and aircraft not working the fire. As the fire moves north, Taos County has issued Ready and Set notifications for some areas. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, and Taos counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures.
Operations: On the north side yesterday, spot fires took hold north of NM Highway 518. Spotting occurs when the wind blows embers across the fireline and ignites fuels in a new area. Today it could spread rapidly towards the northeast towards El Turquillo, with long-range spotting and extreme fire behavior. Firefighters will remain if it’s safe. Many lines have been established, and structure protection measures are in place. On the east side from Ledoux down to Las Vegas, the fireline has held up to the high winds, allowing for increased containment. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol those areas. On the south, the fire remains very active. Today it is expected to move towards Barillas Peak and San Geronimo. Structure groups continue to work in the area and further south to minimize impacts on homes and infrastructure. Firefighters are working on constructing and tying together dozer and handline with existing roads and trail systems to catch it. Predictions also show the fire in this area could run back into itself due to the wind direction and terrain. Near Bull Creek and west of Upper and Lower Colonias, firefighters are working to construct contingency line and tie it into existing lines. Further up on the west, fire is backing towards Lone Pine Mesa and Blue Bell Ridge into the Pecos Wilderness and crews are monitoring. Firefighters are still engaged around Rosiada and surrounding communities to protect structures and guide fire around homes. North of Gascon, the fire is pushing towards the wilderness near Enchanted Lake.
Evacuations: Visit the ArcGIS Map for the latest evacuation map. 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.
Weather: Very strong winds are expected. On the southern end, winds will be southwest to west 30 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 55. In the Mora River Valley, winds will be west to northwest 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.
Taos County Evacuations 582022
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: Closures
TAOS – The communities of Rock Wall, Las Mochas, Sipapu, Vadito, Placita, and Rio Pueblo have been placed into READY STATUS. The Communities of Angostura has been placed into SET STATUS. 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, Colored Green):
Taos County
No communities are in GO status.
SET (Prepare for Evacuation, Colored Yellow)
Taos County
The Communities of Angostura has been placed into SET STATUS
READY (Prepare for Possible Evacuation, Colored Red)
Taos County
The communities of Rock Wall, Las Mochas, Sipapu, Vadito, Placita, and Rio Pueblo have been placed into READY STATUS.
Link to 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 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) 743-8973
- 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 the Taos/ San Miguel County line, mile post 43.
San Miguel and Mora County Evacuation Update 755 pm May 8
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: Closures
San Miguel/ Mora County News Release Calf Canyon/ Hermits Peak Fire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 8, 2022 @ 7:30 p.m.
Evacuation Updates LAS VEGAS – The communities of Ojo Feliz, Apache Lake, Los Hueros, Los Lefebres, Ocate and Naranjos have been placed into GO STATUS. Set Status means you should prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of evacuation BEFORE wildfire arrives. We want to remind all residents of San Miguel and Mora counties, 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 San Miguel and Mora Counties: GO (Mandatory Full Evacuation, Colored Green):
San Miguel County Big Pine, Canovas Canyon, Porvenir Canyon, El Porvenir, Lower Canyon Road, Gallinas, New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute, and Trout Springs are still in Go status and residents are being urged to leave these areas now. Also in the Go status are the area on the map identified as Hot Springs, Storrie Lake, Las Dispensas, San Ignacio, Lone Pine Mesa, Chavez, Canoncito, Pendaries Village, Pendaries Valley East, Rociada, Upper Rociada and Tierra Monte Canon, La Canada, Las Tusas, the area of 527-525 on Highway 518, East and West Sapello, and Manuelitas. Mineral Hill, San Pablo, Ojitos Frios, and San Geronimo, are also in GO status.
The communities of Ojo Feliz, Apache Lake, Los Hueros, Los Lefebres, Ocate and Naranjos have been placed into GO STATUS Mora County Penasco Blanco, South Carmen, Ledoux, Upper Morphy, Santiago Creek, Abuelo Puertocito, Rito Cebolla, Buena Vista, Golondrinas, North and South Mora, the area along 434 from Mora north to the State Park and Rainsville are all in Go status. West Holman and Chacon have been added to go status.
SET (Prepare for Evacuation, Colored Yellow): San Miguel County The areas Country Acres, Mills Plaza, Bibb, Creston, Bull Canyon, Cow Creek, Cinder Road, Emplazado, Camp Luna, Romeroville West, and Taylor Wells area on Hwy. 283 remain in set status.
Mora County Watrous/Fort Union is in Set status. READY (Prepare for Possible Evacuation, Colored Red): San Miguel County West Las Vegas is now in READY as well as East Cinder. Romeroville East is still in READY status in San Miguel County.
Mora County
There are currently no areas in Ready status
Link to Ready, Set Go, Wildland Fire Action Guide: https://cms6.revize.com/revize/sanmiguelcounty/FINAL-new-mexico-RSG-guide-2017_000.pdf
Evacuation Information Evacuations: Scan the QR code here for the 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 at https://www.facebook.com/smcso.nm and https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice The Incident Management Team, along with law enforcement and fire departments are closely monitoring and evaluating the fire status. We will make every effort to keep the city out of evacuation status. Operations currently has outside resources of 25 fire engines on standby to protect structures that may fall into fire danger. These engines are staged in different areas in and around the city.
Evacuation Shelter Sites Information
San Miguel County: - Old Memorial Middle School Gymnasium, Legion St. in Las Vegas, Contact: Janna Lopez (505) 429-2062 - Glorieta Adventure Camps, 11 NM-50 in Glorieta, Contact: Josh Nelson (505) 757-6161 x 713 - Santa Rosa Convention Center, 1085 Blue Hole Road in Santa Rosa, Contact: Ben Rael (505) 301-3094
Mora County: - Penasco High School gym, 13 Old School Road, Contact: Emma Empey (702) 743-8973 - Juan Gonzales AG Center, 202 Camisa Rd, Taos, Contact: Bobby Lucero (575) 779-9381
San Miguel 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. The Pecos arena is also available for sheltering livestock. That contact is Freddy Lujan, Pecos Sheriff’s Posse at either 505-930-3986 or 505-757-3986. Mora 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: In San Miguel County, State Road 65 and El Llano road have are closed at Stella Ln. CR A27 remains closed. CR A11A, from Eighth Street Extension to Hwy 65 is closed and the junction of Jones Rd. State Routes of N.M. 105, N.M. 94, N.M. 266 and N.M.276 remain closed. N.M. 518 from Storrie Lake to the junction of N.M. 161 remains closed. CR A17 in Mineral Hill is closed. In Mora County, Highways 94, 518, 121, 442 and B028 are open for evacuation only. Hwy 434 is closed northbound at Sierra Bonita. No reentry will be allowed, and roadblocks will be in place. # # #
Travis Martinez, NMEOC Public Information Officer - travis.martinez@state.nm.us – (505) 617-5900
Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire Evacuation Update 5822
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: Closures
San Miguel/ Mora County News Release
Calf Canyon/ Hermits Peak Fire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2022 @ 9:55 a.m.
Evacuation Updates
LAS VEGAS – The communities of Romeroville West have been placed into SET STATUS. Set Status means you should prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of evacuation BEFORE wildfire arrives. We want to remind all residents of San Miguel and Mora counties, 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 San Miguel and Mora Counties:
GO (Mandatory Full Evacuation, Colored Green):
San Miguel County
Big Pine, Canovas Canyon, Porvenir Canyon, El Porvenir, Lower Canyon Road, Gallinas, New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute, and Trout Springs are still in Go status and residents are being urged to leave these areas now. Also in the Go status are the area on the map identified as Hot Springs, Storrie Lake, Las Dispensas, San Ignacio, Lone Pine Mesa, Chavez, Canoncito, Pendaries Village, Pendaries Valley East, Rociada, Upper Rociada and Tierra Monte Canon, La Canada, Las Tusas, the area of 527-525 on Highway 518, East and West Sapello, and Manuelitas. Mineral Hill, San Pablo, Ojitos Frios, and San Geronimo, are also in GO status.
Mora County
Penasco Blanco, South Carmen, Ledoux, Upper Morphy, Santiago Creek, Abuelo Puertocito, Rito Cebolla, Buena Vista, Golondrinas, North and South Mora, the area along 434 from Mora north to the State Park and Rainsville are all in Go status. West Holman and Chacon have been added to go status.
SET (Prepare for Evacuation, Colored Yellow):
San Miguel County
The areas Country Acres, Mills Plaza, Bibb, Creston, Bull Canyon, Cow Creek, Cinder Road, Emplazado, Camp Luna, Romeroville West, and Taylor Wells area on Hwy. 283 remain in set status.
Mora County
Watrous/Fort Union is in Set status.
READY (Prepare for Possible Evacuation, Colored Red):
San Miguel County
West Las Vegas is now in READY as well as East Cinder. Romeroville East is still in READY status in San Miguel County.
Mora County
There are currently no areas in Ready status
Link to Ready, Set Go, Wildland Fire Action Guide:
https://cms6.revize.com/revize/sanmiguelcounty/FINAL-new-mexico-RSG-guide-2017_000.pdf
Evacuation Information
Evacuations: Scan the QR code here for the 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 at https://www.facebook.com/smcso.nm and https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice
The Incident Management Team, along with law enforcement and fire departments are closely monitoring and evaluating the fire status. We will make every effort to keep the city out of evacuation status. Operations currently has outside resources of 25 fire engines on standby to protect structures that may fall into fire danger. These engines are staged in different areas in and around the city.
Evacuation Shelter Sites Information
San Miguel County:
- Old Memorial Middle School Gymnasium, Legion St. in Las Vegas, Contact: Janna Lopez (505) 429-2062
- Glorieta Adventure Camps, 11 NM-50 in Glorieta, Contact: Josh Nelson (505) 757-6161 x 713
- Santa Rosa Convention Center, 1085 Blue Hole Road in Santa Rosa, Contact: Ben Rael (505) 301-3094
Mora County:
- Penasco High School gym, 13 Old School Road, Contact: Emma Empey (702) 743-8973
- Juan Gonzales AG Center, 202 Camisa Rd, Taos, Contact: Bobby Lucero (575) 779-9381
San Miguel 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. The Pecos arena is also available for sheltering livestock. That contact is Freddy Lujan, Pecos Sheriff’s Posse at either 505-930-3986 or 505-757-3986.
Mora 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: In San Miguel County, State Road 65 and El Llano road have are closed at Stella Ln. CR A27 remains closed. CR A11A, from Eighth Street Extension to Hwy 65 is closed and the junction of Jones Rd.
State Routes of N.M. 105, N.M. 94, N.M. 266 and N.M.276 remain closed. N.M. 518 from Storrie Lake to the junction of N.M. 161 remains closed. CR A17 in Mineral Hill is closed.
In Mora County, Highways 94, 518, 121, 442 and B028 are open for evacuation only. Hwy 434 is closed northbound at Sierra Bonita. No reentry will be allowed, and roadblocks will be in place.
# # #
Travis Martinez, NMEOC Public Information Officer - travis.martinez@state.nm.us – (505) 617-5900
Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fires Daily Update 9 am May 8
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: News
Acres: 176,273 acres
Containment: 21%
Total personnel: 1,535
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 Red Flag Warning began yesterday, carried through the night, and continues today and into tonight. A High Wind Warning has also been issued through Monday, resulting in very active fire behavior in some areas. Leading up to this wind event, firefighters put in many control measures to stop and check the fire and continue to do so. These control features are holding in some areas, but the wind is testing them in others. The scooper planes and type 1 helicopters could fly longer than anticipated yesterday, which helped ground efforts. Today air resources will assist if they can but expect winds to keep them grounded most of the day. Structure protection groups have done an immense amount of work in communities and around houses and other structures. This work helps mitigate risks to properties as the fires move. Firefighters will continue to fight the fire and protect homes as long as it's safe. As a backup, contingency lines have been, and continue to be, constructed further out from the fire in anticipation of potential movement. Please take extra care not to start new fires as this could put firefighters in additional danger and take them away from fighting this fire. The San Miguel and Mora County Sheriffs ask residents to remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures.
Operations: Firefighters worked hard to protect homes and other values near the Goat Hills, Mineral Hills, and Blue Hills communities yesterday, the most active area of the fire. This area is a high priority today. Overnight crews enacted more protection measures for holding it and will look for additional strategies today. The fire became more active in the wilderness yesterday, but scooper planes got in early to drop water and help check it. The winds were favorable in the higher elevations from the wilderness up to Enchanted Lake, resulting in little movement even in the heavy fuels. In populated areas on the western side, firefighters will help direct fire around homes and other values. Near Cleveland, winds have been a favorable north to northwest, buying crews time to work along 518, 121, 434, and 442 to get more structure protection measures and additional dozer lines in. The east side of the fire from Ledoux to Las Tusas is being monitored and patrolled, meaning crews are watching things, mopping up hot spots, and addressing issues. Around Montezuma and up the Gallinas corridor, there continues to be a structure protection presence, and things are looking good. Interior spots popped up throughout the interior but were not threatening lines. Although there was torching in the interior around Las Vegas, lines are holding. The mutual aid group continues to help in this area.
Evacuations: Scan the QR code for the latest evacuation map or visit the ArcGIS Map. The communities of Cinder Road and Camp Luna are downgraded to SET STATUS. 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 at https://www.facebook.com/smcso.nm and https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice.
Weather: The winds will be stronger today than yesterday. On the southern end, winds will be southwest to west 30 to 35 mph with gusts 50 to 55. In the Mora River Valley, winds will be west to northwest 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 5 to 11%.
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 at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009.
Smoke: An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ 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.Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire Daily Update 9 am May 7
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: News
Acres: 170,665 acres
Containment: 21%
Total personnel: 1,422
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
Operations: Conditions will make for extreme fire conditions, and firefighter and public safety is always the top priority. A large structure protection group has been working up the Gallinas corridor to secure the area further and implement protection measures around homes and other values. In the Montezuma area, firefighters were able to fight the fire directly, meaning doing things like wetting, smothering, or physically separating the burning from unburned fuel. Some of the mutual aid engine crews were able to help with this. The area west of Las Vegas has some interior pockets of fuels continuing to burn out. Firefighters continue to cool hot spots around the fire's edge. Crews have been engaged heavily in the Mineral Hills area as the fire remains active. Ground crews will continue to work to keep fire out of the values but will likely lose air support as the winds pick up. Fire in the wilderness continues to move slowly towards the Crest Trail and isn't a threat at this time. Near Rociada and Upper Rociada, the fire has remained active. Firelines have been put in place to slow it down, and helicopters have been dropping water as the weather has allowed. Additional firefighters were added to this area, including a hand crew and a dozer. A heavy emphasis has been placed on the north end ahead of the anticipated winds. Three structure protection groups have continued work in the communities there. They've been setting up hose lays and sprinkler systems, clearing away vegetation, and creating firelines around homes and buildings. More dozer line has also been constructed to protect homes. Around Ledoux, the fire has shown minimal heat, except for areas further interior. Crews remain in the vicinity of Sapello, Las Tusas, and the surrounding areas to monitor and mitigate any issues.
Weather: West to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph in the morning will increase to 30 to 35 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts will be around 50 mph. Maximum temperatures will be in the lower 70’s to mid-80’s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 4 to 9%.
Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest has expanded the closure order due to the fire to include the entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District and has implemented forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions. Full closure order and map are available at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009.
Smoke: An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire Daily Update 9 am May 6
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: News
Acres: 168,009 acres
Containment: 20%
Total personnel: 1,374
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: With a major wind event expected to begin Saturday and last for several days, firefighters are taking advantage of the current favorable weather to get additional containment line around the fire perimeter and contingency lines constructed further out. This includes putting in more dozer line and handline, doing firing operations to clear fuels, and tying together existing lines. Six structure protection groups with over 300 firefighters are working in communities around the fire. They are identifying homes and other values, removing fuels, setting up sprinkler systems, and putting in fire line to fortify structures. Moderated winds allowed for more air support the last few days to aid ground operations. The upcoming wind event is predicted to be historic due to the duration and the area it will impact. It is critical that people continue to watch for changes in evacuation status and pay attention to emergency notifications.
Operations: Fire crews made a lot of progress yesterday, continuing to strengthen and widen lines around the fire and putting additional structure protections in place. On the east side the black line continues to hold, and crews are monitoring the area around Las Tusas and the sawmill and working to protect them from further impacts. Firefighters were able to go direct in the area around the United World College and reduce the threat significantly. North of NM Highway 283 near Las Vegas, firefighters are tying in constructed line to “cold black” areas already burned and now cooled, bolstering containment lines. On the southwest perimeter, firefighters are working to open roads and construct dozer line. The fire has been active in the Mineral Hills area, but light winds have allowed aerial resources to conduct retardant and water drops to assist firefighters on the ground. Heavy ground and air resources are in the area, including structure crews working to protect homes and values. In the wilderness, crews have been scouting for trails, natural features, and wet areas to tie together to keep fire from moving further west. On the northwestern side, equipment operators are improving dozer lines and crews are helping check the fires edge. Lots of resources are in this area and on the north side helping to put additional fire containment measures in place. Structure protection groups are working up NM Highways 518, 434, and 442. Crews are also monitoring the areas around Ledoux and Pacheco Village to address any remaining issues.
Evacuations: Scan the QR code here for the 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 at https://www.facebook.com/smcso.nm and https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice.
Weather: West to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph in the morning will increase to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts will be around 30 to 35 mph. Maximum temperatures will be in the upper 70’s to lower 80’s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 6 to 12%.
Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest has expanded the closure order due to the fire to include the entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District and has implemented forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions. Full closure order and map are available at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009.Smoke: An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ 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. Future fire information will continue to be posted on Inciweb, the SFNF Facebook and Twitter, SFNF website, and New Mexico Fire Information website.
Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire Daily Update 9 am May 5
Related Incident: Calf Canyon
Publication Type: News
Acres: 165,276 acres
Containment: 20%
Total personnel: 1,284
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: Fire resources made good progress constructing line and performing structure protection around the fire yesterday. Efforts continue to secure containment lines ahead of high temperatures and winds this weekend. Please respect all closures and allow firefighting resources to work safely. Firefighter and public safety will continue to be the number one priority.
Operations: Air resources, hand crews and heavy equipment had good success holding dozer line along the west side of the City of Las Vegas and NM Highway 283 yesterday. The primary focus of firefighting efforts will be containment line construction around the perimeter of the fire, as well as structure protection throughout the fire area. A two-day window of more favorable weather will give firefighters a chance to take proactive measures ahead of elevated temperatures and high winds predicted for this weekend. Today on the eastern flank of the fire, construction will continue on dozer line east of NM Highway 518 to catch the fire in the event that winds this weekend push the fire across the highway. On the north end of the fire, two structure protection groups are engaged in communities as crews and equipment reinforce line north of Mora and Cleveland, up to Holman, to prevent further fire growth in that direction. On the south/ southeast edge of the fire, structure protection measures will be in place around homes and communities that are still under threat, including Mineral Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods. Crews and heavy equipment continue to strengthen and hold containment lines along the west side of the City of Las Vegas and HWY 283. Structure protection resources are imbedded in communities where there is still active fire along the western flank as crews work to establish containment line to prevent further spread to the west. Continuous air operations, both fixed wing and helicopter, will support work on the ground in most divisions while the weather remains favorable for flying.
Evacuations: Scan the QR code here for the 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 at https://www.facebook.com/smcso.nm and https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice.
Weather: West to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph in the morning will increase to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts will be around 30 mph. Maximum temperatures will top out from around 60 degrees to the lower 70s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 7 to 13%.
Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest has expanded the closure order due to the fire to include the entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District and has implemented forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions. Full closure order and map are available atwww.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009.
Smoke: An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ 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.calfcanyon@firenet.gov. Future fire information will continue to be posted on Inciweb, the SFNF Facebook and Twitter, SFNF website, and New Mexico Fire Information website.