Single Publication

 Acres: 299,565| Containment: 26% | Total personnel: 2,094 |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 trend of warming and drying today will reduce any moisture that was received over the fire area yesterday. Fire activity may increase with critically dry fuels and rising temperatures and wind speeds. All zones of the fire will continue to utilize air support when conditions allow. Structure protection and line construction remain the focus of firefighting efforts. In the event of a new start, firefighters will support suppression efforts alongside local area fire personnel. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax Counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures.  

Operations:

South (SWIMT3): Firefighters made progress on the southwest side of the fire yesterday. They were able to get the fireline from below Barillas Peak up to the Skyline Trail. Crews are also constructing additional contingency lines in that area. The fire was active but growth was limited. Structure protection crews continue working in Upper and Lower Colonias, Bull Creek, Cow Creek, and west to the Pecos River. Further north, the fire moved into Bear Creek in the wilderness and into the Trampas Fire burn scar. Near Rociada, firefighters continue to secure fireline around infrastructure and homes where heat remains. On the east and to the south, crews continue to monitor and address issues and remove sprinkler systems and associated equipment.

Central (SWIMT1):  Water Scooping aircraft were used in the area adjacent to NM Highway 518 to reduce potential alignment between the fire and terrain that could aid in fire growth. The scoopers utilize infrared technology to maximize the effect of their drops on areas of heat and slow fire spread. Heavy “Type 1” helicopters were used to make water drops in the area north of Chacon, holding the fire in check in that area. Structure protection resources continue to move northwest along the NM Highway 518 corridor to evaluate and defend values at risk. Three hotshot crews and four dozers worked on the northernmost tip of the fire to reduce fire spread into an area of heavy fuel loading (thick timber and brush) to the north.

North (CIMT2): Yesterday, planning continued to be productive. The North Zone was able to validate strategic values at risk and work with adjoining forces to be prepared for future fire activity. Even though it rained on sections of the fire, we ask the public to stay vigilant due to ongoing extreme fire danger. The North Zone will continue additional planning further out from the fire's edge, especially ahead of the forecasted winds later in the week.

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

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

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

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