Hermits Peak Fire Update

By Arnie Leshin 

The Hermits Peak Fire is burning in rocky, steep terrain in a remote southeastern corner of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF). There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place for the fire area, and a public closure order will be implemented soon to protect public health and safety during fire operations.

Start date: April 6, 2022

Location: In Gallinas Canyon approximately 12 miles northwest of Las Vegas, NM, on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District and extending into the Pecos Wilderness

Cause: Multiple spot fires that spread outside the boundary of a prescribed burn

Size: Approximately 150+ acres           Percent Contained: 0%

Resources: 4 hotshot crews, 6 engines, and 1 Type 3 helicopter

Fire Behavior and Fuels: The Hermits Peak Fire is actively burning in dense, overgrown mixed conifer.

Operations: A very large airtanker (VLAT) delivered two loads of fire retardant to the northwest side of the fire late yesterday, and crews backed that up today by constructing handline while helicopters conducted water bucket drops.

Weather: Favorable weather today is expected to carry into tomorrow, which is expected to limit fire spread and increase containment. Friday is forecast to be sunny with a high of 67 degrees with winds out of the southwest at 6 to 7 miles per hour and shifting to northeast at 6 to 9 miles per hour in the afternoon.

Values at risk: Gallinas Municipal Watershed and private inholdings. There are currently no structures at risk.

Smoke: Smoke from the Hermits Peak Fire may be visible from Gallinas, El Porvenir, San Pablo, Mineral Hill, San Geronimo, Gascon,Pendaries, Rociada, Mora, Ledoux, Las Vegas and along the I-25 corridor. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. The Forest Stewards Guild offers a HEPA Filter Loan Program that are available on a first come/first served basis. Additional information on air filters and the HEPA loan program is posted at http://www.santafefireshed.org/hepa-filter-loan-program#smokeanchor3.

Fire updates will be posted on Inciweb, the New Mexico Fire Information website and on the Santa Fe National Forest Facebook and Twitterpages. For more information, contact the Las Vegas Ranger Station at 505-425-3534 or the