Acres: 341,735| Containment: 93% | Total personnel: 1,215|
Start Date: Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022 | Cause: Hermits Peak: Spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: Holdover fire from prescribed pile burn | Location: Located near Gallinas Canyon | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   June 27, 2022  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2022

San Miguel/Mora County News Release Calf Canyon/ Hermits Peak Fire

Daily Information Update
 
Acres: 341,735 | Containment: 85%

Las Vegas, NM–Containment has increased to 85% due to suppression work of the firefighters and the monsoonal rain showers. The Camino Real Ranger District and Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District will remain closed as firefighters continue to work on fire suppression repair. The Community Meeting being hosted on Monday, June 27 at 6 p.m. will be livestreamed on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CalfCanyonHermitsPeak.
 
Restrictions: Santa Fe National Forest Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District closure order and map: fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009. BLM New Mexico Fire Restrictions https://tinyurl.com/BLMNewMexico.
 
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.
 
Weather: The active weather pattern will continue with additional showers and thunderstorms continuing into Monday. Locally heavy rain is possible which could result in flooding of low-lying areas as well as debris flows in high intensity burn scar areas. Drier conditions will return beginning Tuesday with isolated afternoon showers and storms remaining possible.
 
Smoke: An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
 
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. Power has been restored to the community of Mora, for the purpose of water distribution, by authorization of the Incident Management Team.
 
After Fire Flooding and Recovery Resources: After Wildfire NM Guide https://www.afterwildfirenm.org/ | Hermits Peak & Calf Canyon Fire Burned Area Emergency Response information  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8104/.
 
Federal Disaster Assistance: Visit http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ To make it easier to communicate with FEMA create an online account. You can upload documents and check the status of your application from anywhere with an internet connection. You can also Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. MDT, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as a videophone (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
 
Post Fire Response Map: This map is intended to work as a tool for residents to identify areas of concern from potential post fire flooding and debris flow. Post Fire Response Planning Interactive Map

Full-Service Debris Removal Program: This program allows all wildfire debris on residential properties in Mora and San Miguel Counties to be collected, safely removed, and properly disposed of by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with no out-of-pocket costs to property owners. Right of Entry Permits and opt-out forms are available at www.nmdhsem.org/2022- wildfires/ or at the following locations:
 
1.           Mora County: 1 Courthouse Drive, Mora, NM, 87732
 
2.           San Miguel County: 500 W National Ave, Suite 106, Las Vegas, NM, 87701
 
San Miguel County RAVE Alerts 
The San Miguel County RAVE Alert System has the ability to provide Advanced Weather Alerts for specific locations which are tied to the National Weather Service. To sign up for San Miguel County RAVE Alerts, Text SMCNOTIFY to 67283.
 
Fire Resource/ Post Fire Flooding Information: Visit https://www.nmdhsem.org/ or call 1-800-432-2080 for information to residents impacted by the Calf Canyon/ Hermits Peak Fire with fire consequence resources, sheltering needs, and post fire flooding information.
 
Updates will be posted on NMDHSEM, San Miguel County OEM, San Miguel’s County Sheriff’s, Mora County Sheriff’s, and Fire Department Facebook pages.
###
James T. Murray, PIO | jamest.murray@state.nm.us

Acres: 341,735| Containment: 85% | Total personnel: 1,281| Start Date: Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022 | Cause: Hermits Peak: Spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: Holdover fire from prescribed pile burn | Location: Located near Gallinas Canyon | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass

Highlights: Containment has increased to 85% due to suppression work of the firefighters and the monsoonal rain showers. The Camino Real Ranger District and Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District will remain closed as firefighters continue to work on fire suppression repair. The Community Meeting being hosted on Monday, June 27 at 6 p.m. will be livestreamed on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CalfCanyonHermitsPeak.

North Zone (SWIMT3): There are no firefighters working in the uncontained western side of the fire due to safety concerns and there has been no fire spread detected in this area for a few days. Firefighters continue fixing fences and repairing roads from suppression efforts in Mora, Guadalupita, Chacon, along 518, and in other areas.  Heavy equipment will be grading near the culvert installed in Chacon. Rain fall over the fire area is helping to decrease the heat sources inside the fire perimeter but may create flash flooding concerns. Rapid Response crews are supporting the making of sandbags for the residents in the Mora area, crews are also available to assist with removing debris from waterways. Heavy equipment is being relocated to areas in and around the fire for suppression repair work.

South Zone (SWIMT5): Suppression repair work continued yesterday in areas where crews were able to work without damaging roads and trails. Additional containment was added along the western edge of the fire area, as higher humidity and rain showers further reduced the chances for fire spread outside the existing perimeter. Thunderstorms moving through the area are bringing rain and a potential for flash flooding. Fire suppression and repair operations may slow down due to monsoonal moisture expected through the week. While chances diminish, isolated smoldering is still possible in logs and stump holes, primarily in the Pecos Wilderness. Southwest Incident Management Team 5 will be transferring command of the south zone of the fire at 7:00am Tuesday, June 28, to incoming Great Basin Incident Management Team 7.

Evacuations: For updated evacuation information from the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires: www.tinyurl.com/hermitspeak. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation guide is available in English and Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/RSGNM. For disaster assistance resources, visit: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/.

Weather: The active weather pattern will continue with additional showers and thunderstorms continuing into Monday. Locally heavy rain is possible which could result in flooding of low-lying areas as well as debris flows in high intensity burn scar areas. Drier conditions will return beginning Tuesday with isolated afternoon showers and storms remaining possible.

Closures and Restrictions: The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires closure order covering the Pecos/Las Vegas District of the Santa Fe National Forest and Camino Rael Ranger District of the Carson National Forest remains in place. To learn more about these closures and restrictions, visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdy5y99r. Information related to fire restrictions across public and private land can be found at: https://nmfireinfo.com/fire-restrictions/.

After Fire Flooding and Recovery Resources: After Wildfire New Mexico guide: https://www.afterwildfirenm.org/  | Hermits Peak & Calf Canyon Fire Burned Area Emergency Response information https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8104/.

Suppression Repair Property Survey: https://www.tinyurl.com/suppressionrepair

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

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-356-2636 | Email: 2022.hermitspeak@firenet.gov

Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8069/ | https://www.facebook.com/CalfCanyonHermitsPeak| nmfireinfo.com |tinyurl.com/HermitsYouTube | Santa Fe NF |

Santa Fe National Forest
Forest Service News Release
 
Santa Fe National Forest
11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508
Website | Facebook | Twitter 
Media Contact: Julie Anne Overton 505-414-6438 (cell) SM.FS.sfnfpao@usda.gov

Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District Remains Closed Due to Fire Activity, Post-Fire Impacts Predicted Precipitation Raises Risk of Flash Flooding in Canyons

SANTA FE, NM – June 25, 2022 -The Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) is still closed to the public due to fire activities related to the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires and potential post-fire impacts, including flash flooding and dangerous debris flow. Closure Order No. 10-508, posted here, remains in effect to protect public health and safety. Hikers and campers anywhere on the Pecos/Las Vegas District, including the popular Pecos Canyon and Dalton Canyon areas, are in violation of the order, a Class B misdemeanor that carries a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and/or imprisonment for not more than six months. The public safety message is simple: If you are camping or hiking anywhere on the district, but especially in or near drainages, please pack up and go home. Although an early monsoon has significantly moderated fire behavior, the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires are 78% contained and could become active again if dry conditions and critical fire weather return. Persistent precipitation may also put communities in the fire area at risk for flash flooding and debris flow from the fire scar. This weekend’s weather forecast calls for daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms starting this afternoon. Precipitation, moderate to heavy at times, will continue off and on through Sunday and into Monday, bringing the potential for flash flooding. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team on the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires is beginning Phase 3 of its assessment. Preliminary analysis indicates the headwaters of the Pecos River are susceptible to post-fire flooding. A rainfall intensity of 1.5 inches per hour would bring a 60% likelihood of debris flow to most stream reaches and small drainage basins. The Pecos/Las Vegas District may be able to safely open portions of the east side of the district to the public in the near future. Current fire information for the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires is posted on these online platforms: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8069/; https://www.facebook.com/CalfCanyonHermitsPeak; nmfireinfo.com; tinyurl.com/HermitsYouTube and Santa Fe NF.

# # # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE

CARSON NATIONAL FOREST CAMINO REAL RANGER DISTRICT

Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Closure

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the area and on the roads and trails described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as depicted on the attached map, all within the Camino Real Ranger District, Carson National Forest:

1.  Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § § 261.52(e) and 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1.       Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

2.       Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3.       Residents using roads in the Restricted Area to the extent necessary to access their private property.

RESTRICTED AREA

All the National Forest System lands, roads and trails located within the boundaries of the Camino Real Ranger District of the Carson National Forest, as depicted on Exhibit A.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety due to extreme fire danger in the Restricted Area.

IMPLEMENTATION

1.       This Order will be effective on June 24, 2022, at 08:00 a.m., and shall remain in effect until

September 31, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

2.       A map identifying the Restricted Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A.

3.       Any violation of the prohibitions in this Order is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor or by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for individuals, and $10,000.00 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)).

4.       Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Camino Real Ranger District located in Penasco, NM, telephone number 575-587-2255, and at the Carson National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Taos, NM, telephone number 575-758-6200.

5.       This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.

Done at Taos, New Mexico this 23rd day of June, 2022.

JAMES DURAN

_

                                                   Date: 2022.06.23 20:20:17 -06'00'

JAMES D. DURAN

PREPARE FOR FLASH FLOODING NOW 
Burned out areas are at high risk for flash flooding; even a distant rainstorm can quickly flood your location 

STAY AHEAD OF DISASTER and MAKE A PLAN

• Closely monitor a weather radio for real time weather conditions Monitor the weather through TV, radio, reliable social media channels and phones.
• Use a weather radio for real-time weather conditions 
• Plan evacuation routes 
• Identify higher ground 
• Know where to shelter

BUILD AN EMERGENCY KIT

• Have a basic supply kit ready to go with enough supplies to last each family member at least 3 days, including:
• Food and water
• Change of clothes
• Important documents
• Medicine
• Pets and pet supply needs

MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN YOUR HOME KNOWS WHAT TO DO DURING A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY

• Identify who will round up the pets, grab the emergency kit, etc.
• Make sure everyone knows where to meet
• Create a phone/call tree if necessary

FOLLOW EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS AND NEWS OUTLETS

• Take warnings seriously. Follow instructions and evacuate immediately if told to do so. Don't Wait!
• DO NOT attempt to cross flooded roadways on foot or in a vehicle. If you come across a flooded roadway, turn around and search for higher ground 
• Local officials will communicate with you about where to find shelters

For more information, call the state's Fire Resources Hotline at 800-432-2080 or visit NM Department of Homeland Security & Emergency | (nmdhsem.org)

Acres: 341,735| Containment: 78% | Total personnel: 1,423|Start Date: Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022 | Cause: Hermits Peak: Spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: Holdover fire from prescribed pile burn | Location: Located near Gallinas Canyon | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass

Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires
June 22, 2022, Daily Update, 08:00 AM  

Acres: 341,471
Containment: 72%
Total personnel: 1,852 Start Date: Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022 
Cause: Hermits Peak: Spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: Holdover fire from prescribed pile burn 
Location: Located near Gallinas Canyon
Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass 

Highlights: Firefighting resources are working in coordination with local county emergency management to be prepared to respond to heightened flood and debris flow danger in fire scarred areas. Officials are encouraging residents to utilize their county’s emergency flood evacuation warning system and interactive map to stay alert in this dynamic environment. The interactive flood risk map is available at www.tinyurl.com/calfcanyonfloodmap. Sandbags are being made daily and are available to residents in each county. To locate sandbags in your area, contact your county law enforcement. The next community update will be livestreamed via Facebook this Friday, August 24, at 6pm.

North Zone (SWIMT1): With the increase of monsoonal activity, firefighters have been strategically staged around the North Zone ready to respond to increased fire activity as well as any flooding or debris flows. Rapid response teams are staged in Taos, Mora, and Angel Fire. Fire behavior is creeping and smoldering in heavy timber along the western edge. This activity will continue for some time and will produce visible smoke when temperatures rise and there is a reduction in moisture in these areas. Forest System Roads that were planned for use as contingency fire lines continue to be repaired and reinforced. Southwest Incident Management Team 1 will transition command of the North Zone to Southwest Incident Management Team 3 tomorrow at 7 a.m.

South Zone (SWIMT5): Yesterday, widespread showers kept fire behavior at a minimum. Large logs and dead standing trees will continue to smolder. Fuel moistures are high and expected to continue to rise as the forecast predicts showers and thunderstorms through the week. Today, crews may continue suppression repair work and move heavy equipment if weather permits. Due to the risk of flood events, crews will work in the safest areas and monitor conditions.  

Evacuations: For updated evacuation information from the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires: www.tinyurl.com/hermitspeak. The Ready, Set, Go evacuation guide is available in English and Spanish here: https://tinyurl.com/RSGNM. For disaster assistance resources, visit: https://www.nmdhsem.org/2022-wildfires/.  
 
Weather: Showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue off and on through the morning with an additional one-half to one inch of precipitation expected. Locally higher amounts are possible at higher elevations. Temperatures will trend up a few degrees from yesterday with minimum humidity values approximately 10% lower as somewhat drier air begins to move in by the afternoon. 

Closures and Restrictions: All National Forests in New Mexico have closures or restrictions in place due to extreme fire danger. To learn more about these closures and restrictions, visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdy5y99r. Information related to fire restrictions across public and private land can be found at: https://nmfireinfo.com/fire-restrictions/. 

After Fire Flooding and Recovery Resources: After Wildfire New Mexico guide: https://www.afterwildfirenm.org/ | Hermits Peak & Calf Canyon Fire Burned Area Emergency Response information https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8104/.

Suppression Repair Property Survey: https://www.tinyurl.com/suppressionrepair

Smoke: An interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
 
Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-356-2636 | Email: 2022.hermitspeak@firenet.gov
Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8069/ | https://www.facebook.com/CalfCanyonHermitsPeak | nmfireinfo.com | tinyurl.com/HermitsYouTube | Santa Fe NF |