Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon FiresMay 4, 2022, Daily Update, 09:00AM 
 
Highlights: A steady aerial assault on the fire yesterday provided opportunity for firefighters to engage aggressively on the ground. Structure protection, line construction and firing operations will continue today. Please respect all closures and allow firefighting resources to work safely. Firefighter and public safety will continue to be the number one priority. 

Operations: Firefighters continued defensive firing operations yesterday to remove fuels near structures and secure line. Air resources flew all day in support of these missions. There is an anticipated increase in fire activity in multiple locations across the fire as winds shift throughout the day. Six Structure Groups across the fire will focus efforts on removing fuels, constructing line and deploying other protection measures around homes and communities. Structure Groups are populated with protection resources in every division of the fire. These resources will be working anywhere that homes, cabins and other values at risk are threatened, moving between areas of increased fire activity throughout the day. Crews will continue firing operations, removing fuel between containment lines and the uncontrolled fire front to slow fire spread. Numerous helicopters, LATs (Large Air Tankers) and VLATs (Very Large Air Tankers), as well as six scooper planes continue to deliver water and retardant to the fireline. As a reminder, the scooper planes are dipping water out of Lake Isabel which is on private property. No public is allowed in this area. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone in place over the fire area was expanded to include the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas airport. The zone also restricts the flight of unmanned aircraft, or drones. If a private drone intrudes into the fire area, it will require a pause in all air operations and impede firefighting progress, putting firefighters at greater risk. 
 
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: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Southwest to west winds in the morning of 15 to 20 mph will become west to northwest at 22 to 27 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts will be between 35 and 40 mph. Maximum temperatures will top out in the lower 50s to mid 60s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 8 to 15 %. 
 
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: Communities on the east and immediate south sides of the fire will see the greatest reduction in air quality. The Las Vegas Valley will see Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) today becoming Unhealthy into tonight. Mora will average USG with periods of Unhealthy late afternoon into tonight with winds pushing smoke eastward. Air quality around Rociada, Pendaries and Buena Vista should improve somewhat by late afternoon with cleaner west to northwest wind. The NM Highway 518 corridor will generally have USG to periods of Unhealthy into tonight. 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 Calf Canyon Fire and Hermit Peak Fire 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.

Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires May 3, 2022, Daily Update, 09:00 AM

Acres:   145,854 acres - Containment: 20% - Total personnel: 1,085

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 more favorable winds, firefighters were able to make progress in several key areas of the fire. A red flag warning is in effect again today. Respect all closures and allow firefighting resources to work safely. Firefighter and public safety will continue to be the number one priority.
 
Operations: Winds were calmer than expected yesterday, providing an opportunity for firefighters to engage in suppression tactics in anticipation of less favorable weather ahead. Two very large air tankers (VLAT) were loaned to the fire to deliver massive loads of retardant to the fire line. Firing operations were performed to widen holding lines and remove fuels ahead of a wind shift that could threaten communities. Structure protection resources will be removing fuels around structures and securing lines around populated areas. Fire moving against the wind is expected in some areas, also referred to as a backing fire, giving firefighters a chance to limit fire spread at roads and constructed lines. Resources will be bolstered in areas with the most anticipated fire activity and the highest probability of success in protecting homes and other values at risk. Air resources will continue to operate as conditions allow. A strike team of mutual aid structure engines requested by San Miguel County and the City of Las Vegas will be working in cooperation with the team to provide protection for the city.   Independent fire suppression actions taken by residents and volunteers within the fire area can pose a significant risk to firefighters and impede firefighting operations. Firefighting objectives are developed by the incident management team and local cooperators daily. In this planning, fire managers consider current and forecasted weather, fire behavior predictions, probability of success in saving values at risk, and most of all, firefighter and public safety. Actions outside of this plan can prove disastrous to firefighters and the public. These independent actions often lead to an unexpected commitment of air and ground resources that would have otherwise been assigned to support planned firefighting efforts and critical mission assignments. 
 
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: There is a red flag warning in effect 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. High temperatures will be mid 60s to mid 70s, maximum wind speeds 25-30 with gusts to 45 mph. Winds will be out of the south-southeast, shifting to south-southwest later this evening.

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. There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place over the area. The TFR also covers unmanned aircraft, or drones. If a private drone intrudes into the fire area, it will require a pause in all air operations and impede firefighting progress, putting firefighters at greater risk.

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 Calf Canyon Fire and Hermit Peak Fire 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.  

Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires

May 2, 2022, Daily Update, 09:00 AM 

Acres: 120,653 acres
Containment: 20%
Start Date: April 19, 2022
Cause: Under investigation
Total Personnel: 1,052
Fuels: Mixed conifer   
   
Highlights: Changing winds pushed the fire north toward Mora and northwest toward Las Tusas and Sapello yesterday. Overnight, the fire moved south toward Las Vegas. A red flag warning is in effect today. Evacuation levels continue to change rapidly, please remain vigilant and scan the QR code below for an updated map. Respect all closures and allow firefighting resources to work safely. Firefighter and public safety will continue to be the number one priority.

Operations: The fire made a significant run to the north yesterday, driven by winds out of the south/southwest. Lines were challenged northward of Ledoux towards Mora. An additional push on the eastern edge moved the fire towards Las Tusas and Sapello. Overnight, shifting winds moved the fire southeast toward Las Vegas. Additional resources from local jurisdictions were called in to support the firefight late yesterday and overnight. New evacuations are in place around the fire perimeter. Please scan the QR code to see real-time evacuation updates. Today, crews remain engaged in structure protection in four groups across the fire, constructing line, and reinforcing existing roads and natural features as holding points. Protecting homes, water sources and other values at risk will continue to be the focus of fire resources on all divisions of the fire.  Air operations will continue until high winds require pilots to set down. Please remember that drones are still prohibited in the temporary flight restriction zone, outlined on the map. If drones enter the flight zone, firefighting aircraft will be immediately grounded, eliminating a much-needed resource.

Evacuations: Scan the QR code here for the latest evacuation 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. Failure to do so can pose additional risk to firefighters and the public. 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: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10 am to 8 pm. Winds out of the southwest to west of 15 to 20 mph in the morning will become west to northwest and increase to 20 to 25 mph by late morning and continue through the afternoon. Wind gusts will be between 35 and 40 mph. Maximum temperatures will top out in the lower 60s to mid 70s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 6 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 Stage II fire restrictions forest-wide. Full closure order and map are available at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place over the area was expanded to include the Gallinas Canyon area. The TFR also covers unmanned aircraft, or drones. If a private drone intrudes into the fire area, it will require a pause in all air operations and impede firefighting progress, putting firefighters at greater risk.

Smoke: The Las Vegas area will see Unhealthy for Sensitive Group (USG) conditions today into tonight, becoming moderate to periods of USG Tuesday as southwest winds return. Expect air quality (AQ) reduction late evening into overnight as smoke drains into the valley. Mora will experience USG smoke in the area early, becoming moderate mid-morning into early afternoon, switching to moderate to USG late afternoon. AQ around Rociada, Pendaries, Buena Vista, and Sapello today should range from Unhealthy to periods of USG as fire activity continues adjacent to the area. 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 Calf Canyon Fire and Hermit Peak Fire 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.

Interactive Evacuation Map

This map shows areas in an evacuation status and is updated in real-time. Please use this to help determine the evacuation status of your area. The green areas are in GO, or mandatory evacuation status. Yellow means Set, and Red means Ready. 

For information on Ready, Set, Go, visit: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/

 

 

 Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires

May 1, 2022, Daily Update, 09:00AM

 

Acres:   103,908 acres
Containment: 30% 
Start Date:  April 19, 2022
Cause: Under investigation
Total personnel: 1,119 
Location: Located near Gallinas Canyon
Fuels: Mixed conifer
 
Highlights: The fire pushed to the south and east yesterday, towards the communities of Mineral Hill and Hot Springs. There is a Red Flag Warning in effect today for fire weather. Evacuation levels continue to change rapidly, please remain vigilant and watch for updates. Respect all closures and allow firefighting resources to work safely. Firefighter and public safety will continue to be the number one priority.

Operations: The fire made a push yesterday, moving southeast towards Mineral Hill and east toward the Hot Springs area. Firefighters focused on structure protection ahead of the fire and continued dozer line construction in key locations, including along CR42 around Ledoux and west of NM Highway 518. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM today. Shifting wind directions, increasing temperatures and poor humidity recoveries will continue to challenge established firelines in several directions. Another structure group has been established and is assigned to the northwest edge of the City of Las Vegas. The other three groups will focus on structure protection in areas of expected fire growth. Line construction will continue with the objective to keep the fire out of Ledoux and west of 518. Six scooper planes and eight helicopters will continue air operations to slow the rate of fire spread, aiding firefighters in their work on the ground. Increasing wind speeds could impede air operations. Please remember that drones are still prohibited in the temporary flight restriction zone, outlined on the map. If drones enter the flight zone, firefighting aircraft will be immediately grounded, eliminating a much-needed resource.

Evacuations: 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. Failure to do so can pose additional risk to firefighters and the public. 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: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There will be south to southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph in the morning, increasing to 22 to 27 mph by late morning and continuing through the afternoon. Wind gusts will be between 40 and 45 mph. Maximum temperatures will top out in the mid 60s to mid 70s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 5 to 10%.

Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest has issued a closure order and has implemented Stage II fire restrictions to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Calf Canyon Fire. Full closure order and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/santafe/home. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place over the area was expanded to include the Gallinas Canyon area. The TFR also covers unmanned aircraft, or drones. If a private drone intrudes into the fire area, it will require a pause in all air operations and impede firefighting progress, putting firefighters at greater risk.

Smoke: The Las Vegas area will see moderate to unhealthy for sensitive group (USG) air quality (AQ) in the morning, especially in drainages. Becoming moderate mid-morning into afternoon as gusty southwest winds mix the environment. More smoke expected late evening into overnight as smoke drains into the valley. Mora will have moderate to USG smoke in the area early, becoming moderate mid-morning into early afternoon, switching to moderate to USG mid to late afternoon. AQ around Rociada, Pendaries, Buena Vista, and Sapello today should range from USG to unhealthy as fire activity and winds increase. 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 Calf Canyon Fire and Hermit Peak Fire 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.

 

San Miguel /Mora County News Release

Calf Canyon Current Fire Evacuations

April 30, 2022 at 9:00 AM

 

     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 9:00 AM

Rapid fire growth caused many changes to evacuation levels yesterday. Please read carefully, as many areas have changed in status. Do not wait for in-person notification to evacuate. If your neighborhood is listed below, we encourage you to take action immediately.

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 and Trout Springs are still in Go status and residents are being urged to leave these areas now. Also in Go 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, Emplazado and Manuelitas. Mineral Hill, San Pablo and San Geronimo are also in GO status as of 12:00 AM this morning.

In Mora County, Penasco Blanco, South Carmen, Ledoux, Upper Morphy, Santiago Creek, Abuelo and Puertocito are all still in Go status.

SET (prepare for evacuation, colored yellow): No areas are currently in Set status in San Miguel County.

In Mora County, South Mora is currently in SET status.

READY (get ready for possible evacuation, colored red): No areas are currently in READY status in San Miguel County.

In Mora County, North Mora, Buena Vista and Rito Cebolla are currently in Ready status.

The evacuation map is attached.

 This emerging situation remains extremely serious and refusal to evacuate could be a fatal decision. 

Road Closures:

In San Miguel County, State Road 65 at the post office, and CR A27 are closed.  Eighth Street Extension at CR A14A (Pork Chop Hill Road) is closed. CR A11A, from Eighth Street Extension to Hwy 65 is closed. State Roads 105, 94, 266 and 276 remain closed. Hwy 518 from Hwy 161 to Storrie Lake is closed. CR A17 in Mineral Hill is closed.

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.

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

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: To complete the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Property Damage Survey, fill out the online form:  https://forms.gle/f4fGE28AEGzZbbBKA. For help with the survey please call 505-425-9333. You can also find information on the San Miguel County Website https://co.sanmiguel.nm.us/.

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  

                      Red River Convention Center, 101 E. River St., Red River- 575-754-1708

                      Taos County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Grounds, 230 Camino de la Merced, Taos

               (For livestock, call Ruben Baca 575-770-1490).

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.

In Mora, the Taos County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Grounds is being utilized for livestock.  Call Livestock Inspector Ruben Baca at 575-770-1490.

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.

 Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires

April 30, 2022, Daily Update, 09:00AM

 

Acres:  75,280 acresContainment: 32% Start Date:  April 19, 2022Cause: Under investigationTotal personnel: 1020 Location: Located near Gallinas CanyonFuels: Mixed conifer Highlights: High wind speeds across the area caused rapid fire spread east toward Las Vegas and south across Gallinas Canyon yesterday. The wind-driven run exceeded predicted rates of spread, causing many changes in evacuation and road closure status. This dynamic situation will continue today, please watch for updates. Respect all closures and allow firefighting resources to work safely. Firefighter and public safety will continue to be the number one priority.Operations: The fire made a significant push eastward during the wind event yesterday. Outpacing predictive models, the rate of spread on the southern edge of the fire forced firefighters to pull back to defensible point protection around structures and other values at risk. Rapid fire spread resulted in quickly changing evacuation levels and road closures. There is no red flag warning in effect for today but temperatures and relative humidity will still make for a very active fire day, along with winds out of the south/southeast, moving the fire to the north/northwest. Two new operational divisions have been established on the east and southeast edges of the fire, and firefighting resources have been reallocated to divisions where the greatest threat to homes and other values exist, with the goal of holding the fire west of NM Highway 518 road and keeping it out of Ledoux in the north. A concentration on structure protection and reinforcing defensible lines will be the focus of the operational period today. Four scooper planes and eight helicopters will be conducting air operations on the fire as long as weather permits. Two additional scooper planes will be added to the aerial assault later today. Please remember that drones are still prohibited in the temporary flight restriction zone, outlined on the map. If drones enter the flight zone, firefighting aircraft are grounded.Evacuations: 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. Failure to do so can pose additional risk to firefighters and the public 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: South to southwest winds 15-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected this afternoon, pushing fire to the north/northwest. Higher temperatures and lower relative humidity will increase fire activity across the area. There is another red flag warning in place tomorrow, May 1.Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest has issued a closure order and has implemented Stage II fire restrictions to protect public health and safety during fire operations on the Calf Canyon Fire. Full closure order and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/santafe/home. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place over the area was expanded to include the Gallinas Canyon area. The TFR also covers unmanned aircraft, or drones. If a private drone intrudes into the fire area, it will require a pause in all air operations and impede firefighting progress, putting firefighters at greater risk.Smoke: Las Vegas area will see (USG) lingering smoke conditions in the morning, especially in low lying areas. Switching over to moderate conditions as south- southwest winds 10-15 mph clear out the area. Switching to west-southwest in the afternoon. This will produce more smoke in the area late evening as winds push smoke into the valley. Mora will have (USG) smoke in the area switching to moderate at times. East Mora area to La Cueva will see (USG) smoke at periods of the day. Fire activity around Rociada, Pendaries, Buena Vista, and Sapello today will create unhealthy air quality conditions as fire activity and winds increase. 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 Calf Canyon Fire and Hermit Peak Fire 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.