Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires

By SFNF

Yesterday, the fire displayed active behavior on the west side, creating growth across the Pecos River and to the north-northwest. This activity led to an increase of smoke in the North Zone of the fire area. Forecast higher humidity and lower temperatures have improved the fire outlook today while increasing the possibility of debris flow and flooding. Firefighting resources remain engaged along the western edge of the fire today and are prepared for flood-related emergencies across the fire area. The public is urged to review flood preparation and monitoring guidelines, available on the fire’s social media and public safety agencies (see below).

Operations:

North Zone (SWIMT1): A shift in wind yesterday moved fire on the western edge northward into an area of heavy dead and down timber in the Pecos Wilderness north of the Beatty Cabin. Firefighters monitor fire growth along this edge as it moves toward the ridge system from North Truchas to Jicarita Peak and work to prevent spread to the north through identified areas of breech in this natural fire barrier. In the north fuel break, all feller/buncher operations to remove fuel have been completed. Skidders will continue to move material for another day. Road improvements to support trucks that are moving material out of north fuel break and Osha Pass is ongoing. Suppression repair operations continue at a rapid pace. A new fire south of Angel Fire was reported and rapidly contained to a 10 by 10-foot area using helicopters and engines that were already in the area.

 

South Zone (SWIMT2): Fire behavior remained very active in the wilderness area yesterday, causing a spot fire to cross the Pecos River and push northwest into down and dead timber. Winds shifted from south-southwest to southeast, which, combined with the thick timber, led to the increased fire activity along the Pecos River. The steep wilderness slopes allowed terrain driven fire activity to push flames 100 to 150 feet up in the air. Despite the potential for wetting rains, fire behavior will continue to be active today. Crews will continue to monitor the fire for opportunities to conduct strategic firing operations or construct direct fireline if weather and fire behavior are favorable.  Several pieces of equipment will be staged to support local counties if there are flash floods. Initial attack fire fighters remain ready to assist with any possible lightning strikes. Evacuation orders for several areas in San Miguel County have been lifted. Please see the map below.

 

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: Moisture from a southerly surge will have worked into the area to support wetting storms with a south to north direction expected. Moderating fire weather conditions are expected along with increasing threats for flash flooding in the burn scar area. Winds will remain out of the south with gusts up to 25 mph. Minimum relative humidity will trend up around 15 to 20% with values in the 20 to 35% range.

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: Interactive flood and debris flow map: www.tinyurl.com/hermitspeak 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: land owners within the fire area can complete this survey for assistance with suppression repair on their property: 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|