InciWebCooks Peak Fire Daily Update 552022
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: News
Cooks Peak Fire Containment Increases
Update 5/05/2022
Acres: 59,359 acres (based on infrared flight)
Location: North of Ocate NM, approximately 46 miles north of Las Vegas, NM
Containment: 97%
Start Date: Sunday, April 17, 2022
Cause: Human, under investigation
Fuels: ponderosa pine, oak brush and grass
Fire Update:
Yesterday: The Cooks Peak Fire showed minimal fire behavior on Wednesday as interior pockets of heat continue to diminish. Progress was made to containment lines along the west side of the fire.
Today: Emphasis will be on suppression repair work and patrol and mop-up along existing firelines.. A group of firefighting resources has been assigned to respond to new starts, should they occur. There is not a Red Flag Warning in effect today. Small pockets of smoke may continue to be visible until significant moisture occurs.A Type 3 Incident Management Team will assume command of the Cooks Peak Fire at 5 p.m. today. Wildland fire crews will continue to patrol and monitor for heat pockets along containment lines. The team will focus efforts on the remaining portion of unsecured fireline along the northwest edge.
Current Evacuations for Mora and Colfax Counties: Effective 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, all “Set” evacuations ordered for the Cooks Peak Fire in Colfax County were reduced. The Cooks Peak Fire now has the following evacuation statuses in place: Ready: Philmont Scout Ranch Back Country West of State Road 21, Sweetwater, Rayado, Sunnyside and Philmont Scout Ranch Headquarters.
Mora County residents previously in the Cooks Peak Fire evacuation footprint may now be under Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak evacuation status. Mora county residents should refer to the Mora County sheriff https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice and Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire Information https://www.facebook.com/santafeNF for the most current evacuation status. The Mora and Colfax County Sheriff’s Offices are using the Ready! Set! Go! program for evacuation status that provides information on evacuation and evacuation preparation.
Weather: Today and Friday will begin a warming trend with very dry air moving into the area by Friday afternoon. By the weekend, a large storm system will begin to impact the region with strong gusty winds and another period of critical fire weather likely. This critical weather will likely extend into Monday and Tuesday as well.
Highway Closures: New Mexico Highway 120 from mile marker 26 to 3 miles west of Ocate is closed except to local traffic due to fire activity in the area. Motorists are advised to delay travel or to seek alternate routes. State Road 21 from Polo Ranch to Cimarron is open to local traffic only and remains closed to through traffic. Visit https://nmroads.com/mapIndex.html for additional information.
Aviation Restrictions: There is a temporary flight restriction over the Cooks Peak Fire. Firefighting aircraft cannot fly if this restriction is violated by any aircraft including drones. This poses a danger to firefighters on the ground by leaving them without aerial support.
Fire Restrictions: The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. Smoking, fireworks, campfires open burning and open fires are prohibited. For more information see https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/forestry-news/ The Bureau of Land Management, Farmington District has also implemented fire restrictions. Fireworks, campfires, smoking and operating machinery, including off road OHV use are restricted. Visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions for details.
More Information:
Inciweb: Cooks Peak: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8066/
Inciweb: Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak: https://inciweb.nwcg/incident/8069
New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b335b9f4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/
Evacuations: https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice/
Colfax County: http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/government/sheriff_s_department.php
Colfax County Evacuation Update as of 100 pm on 542022
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: Announcement
Effective at 1:00 P.M. in on the Cooks Peak Fire, Colfax County Sheriff's Office in consultation with Colfax County Emergency Management is placing the following communities in READY Evacuation status:
- Philmont Scout Ranch Head Quarters
- Rayado
- Sweetwater
- Sunnyside
- Philmont Scout Ranch Back Country West of State Road 21
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. State Road 21 will be open to local traffic only and closed to thru traffic.
Full press release is available below.
Cooks Peak Fire Daily Update 542022
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: News
Containment Increases
Red Flag Warnings Continue
Update 5/04/2022
Acres: 59,359 acres (based on infrared flight)
Location: North of Ocate NM, approximately 46 miles north of Las Vegas, NM
Containment: 89%
Start Date: Sunday, April 17, 2022
Cause: Human, under investigation
Fuels: ponderosa pine, oak brush and grass
Today, the critical fire weather trend will continue with another Red Flag warning issued for the Cooks Peak Fire. Firefighters will focus suppression efforts on areas with unsecured fireline along the perimeter. Crews and engines will monitor and patrol containment lines, holding, reinforcing, and securing, as needed. Suppression repair crews will also continue their efforts.
Current Evacuations for Mora and Colfax Counties: Effective 5 p.m. on Monday, May 2, all “GO” evacuations ordered for the Cooks Peak Fire in Colfax County were reduced. The Cooks Peak Fire now has the following evacuation status’ in place:
Colfax County: SET: Philmont Scout Ranch Back Country West of State Road, Sweetwater, Rayado and Sunnyside; READY: Philmont Scout Ranch Headquarters.
Mora County residents previously in the Cooks Peak Fire evacuation footprint may now be under Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak evacuation status. Mora county residents should refer to the Mora County sheriff https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice and Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire Information https://www.facebook.com/santafeNF for the most current evacuation status.
The Mora and Colfax County Sheriff’s Offices are using the Ready! Set! Go! program for evacuation status that provides information on evacuation and evacuation preparation.
An Evacuation center is set up at Old Memorial Middle School, 947 Old National Rd, Las Vegas. The Colfax County Fairgrounds are closed.
Livestock: The Taos Rodeo Grounds is available to residents from Mora if they need a place for horses. Contact: Livestock Inspector Ruben Baca 505-770-1490.
Weather: Critical fire weather and a Red Flag Warning will continue today, due to persistently dry fuels and wind. Winds will be lighter (10-15mph, gusts up to 25mph) and experience a shift, coming from the west/northwest. Potential for dry thunderstorms continues.
Highway Closures: New Mexico Highway 120 remains closed from mile marker 26 to 3 miles west of Ocate due to fire activity and equipment entering the area to support firefighting efforts. Motorists are advised to delay travel or to seek alternate routes. State Road 21 from Polo Ranch to Cimarron is open to local traffic only, and remains closed to through traffic. Visit https://nmroads.com/mapIndex.html for additional information.
Smoke: Impacts from smoke will be minimal due to favorable wind directions, and lack of activity on the Cooks Peak Fire. Smoke from fires in the region will be in the moderate to good range today, as winds veer to the west. Stay informed of potential changes by visiting the interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov, which allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Aviation Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Cooks Peak Fire. Firefighting aircraft cannot fly if this restriction is violated by any aircraft including drones. This poses a danger to firefighters on the ground by leaving them without aerial support.
Fire Restrictions: The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. Smoking, fireworks, campfires open burning and open fires are prohibited. For more information see https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/forestry-news/ The Bureau of Land Management, Farmington District has also implemented fire restrictions. Fireworks, campfires, smoking and operating machinery, including off road OHV use are restricted. Visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions for details.
More Information:
Inciweb: Cooks Peak: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8066/
Inciweb: Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak: https://inciweb.nwcg/incident/8069
New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b335b9f4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/
Evacuations: https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice/
Colfax County: http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/government/sheriff_s_department.php
Cooks Peak Fire Daily Update 532022
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: News
Containment Increases
Windy, Dry Trend Continues; Red Flag Warning Today
Update 5/03/2022
Acres: 59,359 acres
Location: North of Ocate NM, approximately 46 miles north of Las Vegas, NM
Containment: 72%
Start Date: Sunday, April 17, 2022
Cause: Human, under investigation
Fuels: ponderosa pine, oak brush and grass
Today, the critical fire weather trend will continue with another Red Flag warning issued for the Cooks Peak Fire. Under these conditions, fire behavior has the potential to become very active. Firefighters will continue to hold, reinforce, and secure lines where areas of heat continue to threaten containment. Crews will also monitor and patrol fire lines for hot spots, mopping up where needed. Suppression repair will continue around the fire perimeter. Some smoke is likely to be observed until interior pockets of unburned fuel are consumed.
Current Evacuations for Mora and Colfax Counties: Effective 5 p.m. on Monday, May 2, all “GO” evacuations For Colfax County were reduced. The Cooks Peak Fire now has the following evacuation status’ in place:
Colfax County: SET: Philmont Scout Ranch Back Country West of State Road, Sweetwater, Rayado and Sunnyside; READY: Philmont Scout Ranch Headquarters.
Mora County residents previously in the Cooks Peak Fire evacuation footprint may now be under Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak evacuation status. Mora county residents should refer to the Mora County sheriff https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice and Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire Information https://www.facebook.com/santafeNF for the most current evacuation status.
The Mora and Colfax County Sheriff’s Offices are using the Ready! Set! Go! (https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/) program for evacuation status that provides information on evacuation and evacuation preparation.
An Evacuation center is set up at Old Memorial Middle School, 947 Old National Rd, Las Vegas. The Colfax County Fairgrounds are closed.
Livestock: The Taos Rodeo Grounds is available to residents from Mora if they need a place for horses. Contact: Livestock Inspector Ruben Baca 505-770-1490.
Weather: Critical fire weather and a Red Flag Warning will continue today, due to persistently dry fuels and wind. The fire area experienced some overnight moisture, but drier air will be present by the afternoon. Winds will shift today, coming out of the south/southwest at 26-31mph and gusts 40-45 mph. Gusty, erratic winds and lightning strikes from dry thunderstorms will be the main threat across the region during this week’s critical fire weather period.
Highway Closures: New Mexico Highway 120 remains closed from mile marker 26 to 3 miles west of Ocate due to fire activity and equipment entering the area to support firefighting efforts. Motorists are advised to delay travel or to seek alternate routes. State Road 21 from Polo Ranch to Cimarron is open to local traffic only, and remains closed to through traffic. Visit https://nmroads.com/mapIndex.html for additional information.
Smoke: Impacts from smoke will be minimal over the next couple of days due to favorable wind directions, and lack of activity on the Cooks Peak Fire. Smoke from other fires in the region will cause air quality to remain in the Moderate range today, improving to “Good” on Wednesday as winds veer to the west. Occasional blowing dust may affect Interstate 25 from Wagon Mound to Springer, and northward through this evening. Stay informed of potential changes by visiting the interactive smoke
Aviation Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Cooks Peak Fire. Firefighting aircraft cannot fly if this restriction is violated by any aircraft including drones. This poses a danger to firefighters on the ground by leaving them without aerial support.
Fire Restrictions: The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. Smoking, fireworks, campfires open burning and open fires are prohibited. For more information see https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/forestry-news/ The Bureau of Land Management, Farmington District has also implemented fire restrictions. Fireworks, campfires, smoking and operating machinery, including off road OHV use are restricted. Visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions for details.
More Information:
Inciweb: Cooks Peak: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8066/
Inciweb: Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak: https://inciweb.nwcg/incident/8069
New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b335b9f4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/
Evacuations: https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice/
Colfax County: http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/government/sheriff_s_department.php
Colfax County Sheriff Announces Change to Evacuation Status for Cooks Peak
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: Announcement
Colfax County Sheriff Announces Change to Evacuation Status for Cooks Peak Fire
Evening Update 5/2/2022
Evacuations: At 5:00 p.m. on May 2, 2022, the Colfax County Sheriff’s Department issued an update reducing the evacuation status to ready and set for the following areas in Colfax County: SET- Rayado, Sweetwater, Sunnyside and Philmont Scout Ranch Back Country west of State Road 21. READY - Philmont Scout Ranch Headquarters. Please visit the Colfax County Sheriff’s Office website: http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/government/sheriff_s_department.php These changes are due to current and predicted fire behavior and weather, with the potential for fire growth to the north.
Mora County residents previously in the Cooks Peak Fire evacuation footprint may now be under Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak evacuation status. Mora county residents should refer to the Mora County sheriff https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice and Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire Information https://www.facebook.com/santafeNF for the most current evacuation status .
Highway Closures: State Road 21, will be open to local traffic only and closed to through traffic. Motorists are advised to delay travel or to seek alternate routes. Visit https://nmroads.com/mapIndex.html? for additional information.
More Information:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8066/
New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b335b9f4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/
Colfax County: http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/government/sheriff_s_department.php
Mora County: Mora County Sheriff's Office | Facebook
Evacuation Update Colfax County 5pm 52
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: Announcement
Colfax County Sheriff's Office - Evacuation Update
5/2/2022
Effective at 5:00 P.M. in on the Cooks Peak Fire, Colfax County Sheriff's Office in consultation with Colfax County Emergency Management is placing the following communities in READY Evacuation status:
- Philmont Scout Ranch Head Quarters
The following communities in SET Evacuation status:
- Rayado
- Sweetwater
- Sunnyside
- Philmont Scout Ranch Back Country West of State Road 21
The status changes are necessary due to current fire behavior and predicted weather, verified by fire models that show significant fire grouth to the north. State Road 21 will be open to local traffic only and closed to thru traffic.
The full release is available below.
Cooks Peak Daily Update 522022
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: News
Red Flag Warning Again Today
Update 5/02/2022
Acres: 59,065 acres
Location: North of Ocate NM, approximately 46 miles north of Las Vegas, NM
Containment: 69%
Start Date: Sunday, April 17, 2022
Cause: Human, under investigation
Fuels: ponderosa pine, oak brush and grass
Yesterday, Firefighters, again, contended with Red Flag conditions due to high winds and low humidity. Areas of heat persisted on the southwest slope of Gallinas Mesa and on the northwest side of the fire in heavy timber and rugged terrain. Heat also persisted south of Sweetwater where aerial ignitions were conducted on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Crews held and secured lines in these areas, and continued mop-up and fire suppression where needed.
Today, Red Flag warnings have, once again, been issued due to high winds and very dry air. These warnings alert fire managers that conditions favoring dangerous fire behavior and wildfire growth are predicted. Due to Red Flag warnings, the Cooks Peak fire still has potential for rapid growth. Firefighters will hold, reinforce, and secure lines where areas of heat continue to threaten containment. Helicopters will assist with water drops when conditions are safe to fly. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol secure fire lines, mopping up existing sources of smoke. Suppression repair will continue around the fire perimeter where needed.
Current Evacuations for Mora and Colfax Counties: There are no changes to the evacuation status due to the Cooks Peak Fire.
Colfax County Evacuation status for Areas in GO: Philmont Scout Ranch Back Country West of State Road 21 in Colfax County; Areas in SET status include Sweetwater, Rayado and Sunnyside; Areas in READY status include residents of Miami and the Philmont Scout Ranch Headquarters.
Mora County residents previously in the Cooks Peak Fire evacuation footprint may now be under Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak evacuation status. Mora county residents should refer to the Mora County sheriff https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice and Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire Information https://www.facebook.com/santafeNF for the most current evacuation status.
The Mora and Colfax County Sheriff’s Offices are using the Ready! Set! Go! (https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/) program for evacuation status that provides information on evacuation and evacuation preparation.
An Evacuation center is set up at Old Memorial Middle School, 947 Old National Rd, Las Vegas. The Colfax County Fairgrounds have been closed.
Livestock: The Taos Rodeo Grounds is available to residents from Mora if they need a place for horses. Contact: Livestock Inspector Ruben Baca 505-770-1490.
Weather: Red Flag conditions will occur again today with 25-35 mph sustained winds coming from the west to northwest, gusting to 45mph. Temperatures will be in the 60’s and relative humidity in the teens over the fire area. A fire weather watch has been issued for Tuesday. Conditions will be warmer, drier and windy.
Highway Closures: New Mexico Highway 120 remains closed from mile marker 26 to 3 miles west of Ocate due to fire activity and equipment entering the area to support firefighting efforts. Motorists are advised to delay travel or to seek alternate routes. State Road 21 from Polo Ranch to Cimarron is open to local traffic only, and remains closed to through traffic. Visit https://nmroads.com/mapIndex.html for additional information.
Smoke: Minimal smoke impacts are expected today due to the direction of winds. This will provide good air quality in Cimarron, Miami, and Springer. Air quality in Wagon Mound will be moderate due to smoke from fires in the region. As wind direction shifts toward the south and southwest late in the day and Tuesday, moderate air quality due to smoke is expected. Residents are encouraged to stay informed of potential changes by visiting the interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov which allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Aviation Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Cooks Peak Fire. Firefighting aircraft cannot fly if this restriction is violated by any aircraft including drones. This leaves firefighters on the ground without aerial support.
Fire Restrictions: The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. Smoking, fireworks, campfires open burning and open fires are prohibited. For more information see https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/forestry-news/ The Bureau of Land Management, Farmington District has also implemented fire restrictions. Fireworks, campfires, smoking and operating machinery, including off road OHV use are restricted. Visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions for details.
More Information:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8066/
New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b335b9f4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/
Evacuations: https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice/
Colfax County: http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/government/sheriff_s_department.php
Mora County Evacuations caused by Calf CanyonHermits Peak Fire
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: Announcement
ALERT: The Mora County Sheriff has issued evacuation changes for Mora County Residents.
Please visit the Mora County Sheriff’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice or the Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire https://www.facebook.com/santafeNF for further information.
The following communities have been added to Go Status: The town of Mora north to El Turquillo, South to Lucero, and all of the Rainsville Area.
The Map can be found at the following link:
Again, this evacuation change IS NOT due to fire activity on the Cooks Peak Fire.
Cooks Peak Daily Update 512022
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: News
All evacuation levels associated with the Cooks Peak Fire was lifted at 1700 today.
Update 5/01/2022
Acres: 59,359 acres
Location: North of Ocate NM, approximately 46 miles north of Las Vegas, NM
Containment: 97%
Start Date: Sunday, April 17, 2022
Cause: Human, under investigation
Fuels: ponderosa pine, oak brush and grass
The Mora and Colfax County Sheriff’s Offices are using the Ready! Set! Go! (https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/) program for evacuation status that provides information on evacuation and evacuation preparation.
An Evacuation center is set up at Old Memorial Middle School, 947 Old National Rd, Las Vegas. The Colfax County Fairgrounds have been closed.
Livestock: The Taos Rodeo Grounds is available to residents from Mora if they need a place for horses. Contact: Livestock Inspector Ruben Baca 505-770-1490.
Public Meeting: Last night's at Cimarron High School was record and will be available on the Cooks Peak Fire Information Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/.
Fire Update: Yesterday, firing operations occurred on the eastern flank of the Cooks Peak Fire to secure additional fireline. Aerial ignitions were utilized to remove the unburned pocket of fuel in Agueje Canyon, and to strengthen containment lines south of Sweetwater. Aviation resources also assisted with water drops to aid fire suppression efforts in the heavily timbered, rugged terrain and challenging topography of the north end of the fire near Urraca Mesa. Mop up and suppression repair work, including returning dozer lines to a more natural state, building water bars where needed and mending fences, occurred in areas where firelines have been secured and the fire is no longer a threat.
Drones were spotted yesterday morning on the southeast side of the fire causing all aerial resources to be grounded. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/videos/291847116497757 for additional information. Please remember “if you fly, we can’t”.
Today, there is a high potential for increased fire activity on the Cooks Peak Fire. Art Gonzales, Fire Behavior Analyst, says “Drought stressed fuels and low humidity create conditions for increased fire behavior.” Those conditions, along with Red Flag weather conditions, with 25-30 mph sustained winds and 45-50 mph gusts, combined with large fires to the south and outflow winds from expected storms create unique suppression challenges for Cooks Peak fire crews. Due to high winds, limited aerial suppression will occur in the morning and flights will be grounded in the afternoon for the safety of crews.
Firefighters are working to complete and secure 109 miles of fireline. Today, they will patrol containment lines and work to contain the Cooks Peak Fire within the current footprint while protecting structures, property, and natural resources. Fire crews are securing the southwestern side of Gallinas Mesa and expect to need additional firing operations when weather conditions allow in the next few days to reinforce containment lines. This area is visible from Ocate and Ojo Feliz. Suppression emphasis will be on the active fire areas on the western and northwestern perimeter with hand tools, dozer lines and air support when possible. Crews continue to construct and strengthen containment and mop up where needed.
Weather: On Sunday, winds will decrease slightly, and temperatures climb by a few degrees higher than Saturday. Relative humidity will remain unseasonably dry. On Monday, another critical fire weather day is possible with strong gusty winds and low relative humidity.
Highway Closures: New Mexico Highway 120 remains closed from mile marker 26 to 3 miles west of Ocate due to fire activity and equipment entering the area to support firefighting efforts. Motorists are advised to delay travel or to seek alternate routes. State Road 21 from Polo Ranch to Cimarron is open to local traffic only, and remains closed to through traffic. Visit https://nmroads.com/mapIndex.html for additional information.
Aviation Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Cooks Peak Fire. Firefighting aircraft fly at very low altitudes, typically just a couple hundred feet about the ground. This creates the potential for a mid-air collision. Any aircraft entering the fire area, including drones, could lead all firefighting aircraft to be grounded until they have left the fire area. Stay out of the airspace over the Cooks Peak Fire.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions are being implemented to help reduce the chance of a wildfire. The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. Smoking, fireworks, campfires open burning and open fires are prohibited. For more information see https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/forestry-news/ The Bureau of Land Management, Farmington District has also implemented fire restrictions. Fireworks, campfires, smoking and operating machinery, including off road OHV use are restricted. Visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions for details.
More Information:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8066/
New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b335b9f4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/
Evacuations: https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice/
Colfax County: http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/government/sheriff_s_department.php
Cooks Peak Fire Daily Update 4302022
Related Incident: Cooks Peak
Publication Type: News
Containment increases
Winds ease Saturday, critical fire weather returns Sunday
Morning Update 4/30/2022
Acres: 56,276 acres
Location: North of Ocate NM, approximately 46 miles north of Las Vegas, NM
Containment: 56%
Start Date: Sunday, April 17, 2022
Cause: Human, under investigation
Fuels: ponderosa pine, oak brush and grass
The Mora and Colfax County Sheriff’s Offices are using the Ready! Set! Go! (https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/) program for evacuation status that provides information on evacuation and evacuation preparation.
An Evacuation center is set up at Old Memorial Middle School, 947 Old National Rd, Las Vegas. The Colfax County Fairgrounds have been closed.
Livestock: The Taos Rodeo Grounds is available to residents from Mora if they need a place for horses. Contact: Livestock Inspector Ruben Baca 505-770-1490.
Public Meeting: A community meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cimarron High School located at 165 N Collison Ave, Cimarron, NM 87714. The meeting will also be live streamed to the Cooks Peak Fire Information Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/.
Fire Update: Yesterday, the Cooks Peak Fire experienced Red Flag weather conditions, with 30-40 mph sustained winds and 50-60 mph gusts. Ground resources, including hand crews and heavy equipment, were able to continue making progress across the fire area. Due to extreme winds, aircraft was grounded.
Firefighters patrolled containment lines and worked to make sure the Cooks Peak Fire didn’t move any closer to structures, property and natural resources. Suppression repair work continued in the Gallinas Mesa and Halls Peak area and monitored interior flames and smoke. Crews continued to construct fireline along the western edge and mop up where needed. Hand crews responded to reports of interior smoke near Rayado, on the northeast side of the fire, and monitored the area overnight.
Today, mop up and suppression repair work, including returning dozer lines to a more natural state, building water bars where needed and mending fences, will continue in areas where firelines has been secured and the fire is no longer a threat. Firing Operations may occur on the western flank of the Cooks Peak Fire to secure additional fireline. Aerial ignitions are also planned to remove the unburned pocket of fuel in Agueje Canyon, to strengthen firelines south of Sweetwater, if weather conditions cooperate. Aviation resources will also assist with water drops to help suppress fire in the heavily timbered, rugged terrain and challenging topography of the north end of the fire near Urraca Mesa.
Weather: On Saturday, winds will be lighter, and temperatures climb by a few degrees. Relative humidity will remain unseasonably dry. On Sunday, another critical fire weather day is possible with strong gusty winds and low relative humidity.
Highway Closures: New Mexico Highway 120 remains closed from mile marker 26 to 3 miles west of Ocate due to fire activity and equipment entering the area to support firefighting efforts. Motorists are advised to delay travel or to seek alternate routes. State Road 21 from Polo Ranch to Cimarron is open to local traffic only, and remains closed to through traffic. Visit https://nmroads.com/mapIndex.html for additional information.
Aviation Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Cooks Peak Fire. Firefighting aircraft fly at very low altitudes, typically just a couple hundred feet about the ground. This creates the potential for a mid-air collision. Any aircraft entering the fire area, including drones, could lead all firefighting aircraft to be grounded until they have left the fire area. Stay out of the airspace over the Cooks Peak Fire.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions are being implemented to help reduce the chance of a wildfire. The New Mexico State Forester has implemented statewide fire restrictions. Smoking, fireworks, campfires open burning and open fires are prohibited. For more information see https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/forestry-news/ The Bureau of Land Management, Farmington District has also implemented fire restrictions. Fireworks, campfires, smoking and operating machinery, including off road OHV use are restricted. Visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/new-mexico/fire-restrictions for details.
More Information:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8066/
New Mexico Fire information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b335b9f4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CooksPeakFireInfo/
Evacuations: https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice/
Colfax County: http://www.co.colfax.nm.us/government/sheriff_s_department.php