Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires

By USDA

Highlights: A decrease in acreage from what was reported last night is due to more accurate mapping after an overnight infrared flight. Cooler temperatures and reduced windspeeds allowed aircraft to operate throughout most of the shift yesterday while hand crews and heavy equipment continued to reinforce containment lines. Extraordinary firefighting efforts over the previous days have positioned crews to make substantial progress with the favorable incoming weather. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax Counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures. Stage 3 forest-wide closures for the Santa Fe and Carson National Forest are in effect.  

Operations:

West Zone (SWAIMT1): Yesterday favorable weather allowed air resources to operate which aided firefighters in their progress by cooling areas of active heat in the west zone. Hand crews will tie into dozer line constructed near the spot fire northwest of Angostura to protect communities in the HWY 73 Corridor. Crews are constructing “cup trench” lines along the northern tip of the fire near Martinez Pond in steep terrain to catch material as it rolls downhill out of the fire. Fire continues to creep downhill toward the road in the 121 Corridor near Chacon. Implementation of structure protection continues in the communities of Chacon, Rock Wall, Sipapu, Las Mochas and others.

East Zone (CAIIMT2): With cooler weather and calmer winds, firefighters were able to strengthen containment lines on the northern tip of the fire. A small slopover (the term for when fire crosses a containment line) occurred on the north end of the fire but was kept from spreading. Crews continued to patrol and mop up on the eastern edge of the fire by cooling hot spots to minimize potential spread. The east portion of the fire now has a large stretch of contained fireline, meaning further fire spread in those areas is not expected. Contingency prep work continued in the East Zone in and around several communities north and east of the fire perimeter. Today, work continues on the northern portion of the fire to strengthen containment lines that connect with the West Zone. Along the Taos/Colfax County line, dozers and handcrews will continue building contingency line, working north towards Angel Fire. Firefighters are also working with Philmont Ranch personnel, planning and implementing contingency line east of the fire near the Boy Scouts property.

South Zone (CAIIMT5): Late Friday night a cold front brought gusty winds to the western perimeter of the fire increasing activity in Apache Canyon, Ruidoso Ridge and Bull Creek. Due to the increased fire behavior, the evacuation status in the Pecos Valley Corridor was upgraded from SET to GO in most areas. Firefighters had been briefed by the incident meteorologist on the changing weather and were ready for the increased fire activity. They were successful in holding the fire along the 203 road and no structures were damaged or destroyed. Today, the priority will continue to be strengthening firelines on the southwest corner and providing structure protection in the Pecos Valley Corridor.

Evacuations: Scan the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/HermitsPeak for the evacuation map and follow:

San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/smcso.nm

Mora County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice

Taos County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064642843163

Colfax County Sheriff’s Office: facebook.com/Colfax-County-Sheriffs-Office-New-Mexico-971817152850308

Weather: After a cold morning, temperatures will moderate throughout the day, with highs in the 60s. Humidities will remain above 25% throughout the day. Moderate winds from the south will be 10 to 15, with gusts to 20 in the afternoon for higher elevations and exposed locations.

Restrictions: Carson National Forest, Camino Real Ranger District closure order and map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices 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.

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/ | facebook.com/CalfCanyonHermitsPeak | nmfireinfo.com |tinyurl.com/HermitsYouTube | Santa Fe NF Website |