NEWS RELEASE FROM COLFAX COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

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

Evacuation status:

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

The following communities have been moved to SET Status:

• Black Lake
• Black Lake Resort
• Hidden Lake

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

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

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

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

Acres:  203,920 acres
Containment: 39%
Total personnel:  1,759 
Start Date:  Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022 
Cause: Hermits Peak: spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: under investigation
Location: Located near Gallinas Canyon
Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass

 Highlights: Firefighters got relief overnight from Red Flag conditions; however, another Red Flag Warning is forecast for today from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Winds will now calm down overnight for several days and the night shift added several additional crews to take advantage of this. Yesterday aircraft was grounded due to the high winds, and today they plan to be up early before the winds pick up. Today the concern continues to be spot fires, where winds blow embers ahead of the fire and start new ones. In areas with a downgraded evacuation status, please be careful of firefighters, utility workers, and others as you go back to your homes. Taos County and Colfax County have issued Ready and Set notifications for some areas as the fire moves north. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures.
 

Operations: The fire spotted across 518 near Holman on Sunday evening and yesterday moved rapidly east towards Highway 434. As it gained momentum, the fire was spotting up to two miles ahead. Today it will continue to move towards Guadalupita South. Firefighters are still working across the north side up the 518, 121, 434, and 442 corridors and in the canyons, implementing structure protection measures to protect homes and other infrastructure. Firefighters will remain as long as it’s safe to do so. The east side from Ledoux to Las Vegas is now contained; however, crews are still working to address any safety concerns. Yesterday the San Miguel Sheriff’s Office began repopulating some evacuation zones on that side, but keep in mind these areas are still in Set status, and people should remain vigilant to changing conditions. On the south, fire remains very active, and crews are heavily engaged in firefighting and structure protection. Firefighters are working on constructing and tying together dozer and handline with existing roads and trail systems to catch it. The fire column visible yesterday was within the containment lines. On the southwest corner, crews are working on contingency lines and determining options to protect the Pecos Valley. Crews are monitoring the fire on the west as it continues to back towards Lone Pine Mesa and Blue Bell Ridge into the Pecos Wilderness. Near Rosiada, firefighters are protecting structures and guiding fire around homes. The fire is still pushing towards the Pecos Wilderness near Enchanted Lake. 

Evacuations: A story map website that has the latest evacuation map, fire perimeter, daily progression map, and closures. Please follow San Miguel County, Mora County, and Taos County Sheriff’s Facebook pages for the latest evacuation updates.

Weather: On the southern end, winds will be south to southwest 25 to 30 mph with gusts to 50. In the Mora River Valley, winds will be south to southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts 30 to 35. Maximum temperatures will be in the upper 60’s to low 80’s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 6 to 12%.

Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest closure order includes the entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District. Forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions have been implemented. Full closure order and map are available.

Smoke: An interactive smoke map allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Future Fire Information: The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires Information office hours are 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.  The phone number for fire information is 505-356-2636. The email address is 2022.hermitspeak@firenet.gov. Fire information is posted on Inciweb, the SFNF Facebook and Twitter, SFNF website, and New Mexico Fire Information website. 
 

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.

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.

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.  

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

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/ 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

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.

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

Highlights: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for today, kicking off a historic multi-day wind event that could result in extreme fire behavior. Conditions could change quickly, so remain vigilant in staying updated on evacuations and emergency notifications. A significant concern for firefighters is that new fire starts during this period could redirect resources from their current tasks. Please take extreme care to prevent new fires from starting. In the last few days, firefighters have worked tirelessly to add and strengthen control lines, construct more contingency lines, and prepare structures; however, fire remains on the landscape and could be a threat in some areas. There have been reports of structure protection equipment being stolen from the fireline. This equipment is critical to the ongoing firefight. While there is a strong law enforcement presence, please report anything suspicious. 

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.

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 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.

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.