Single Publication

Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires

May 2, 2022, Daily Update, 09:00 AM 

Acres: 120,653 acres
Containment: 20%
Start Date: April 19, 2022
Cause: Under investigation
Total Personnel: 1,052
Fuels: Mixed conifer   
   
Highlights: Changing winds pushed the fire north toward Mora and northwest toward Las Tusas and Sapello yesterday. Overnight, the fire moved south toward Las Vegas. A red flag warning is in effect today. Evacuation levels continue to change rapidly, please remain vigilant and scan the QR code below for an updated map. Respect all closures and allow firefighting resources to work safely. Firefighter and public safety will continue to be the number one priority.

Operations: The fire made a significant run to the north yesterday, driven by winds out of the south/southwest. Lines were challenged northward of Ledoux towards Mora. An additional push on the eastern edge moved the fire towards Las Tusas and Sapello. Overnight, shifting winds moved the fire southeast toward Las Vegas. Additional resources from local jurisdictions were called in to support the firefight late yesterday and overnight. New evacuations are in place around the fire perimeter. Please scan the QR code to see real-time evacuation updates. Today, crews remain engaged in structure protection in four groups across the fire, constructing line, and reinforcing existing roads and natural features as holding points. Protecting homes, water sources and other values at risk will continue to be the focus of fire resources on all divisions of the fire.  Air operations will continue until high winds require pilots to set down. Please remember that drones are still prohibited in the temporary flight restriction zone, outlined on the map. If drones enter the flight zone, firefighting aircraft will be immediately grounded, eliminating a much-needed resource.

Evacuations: Scan the QR code here for the latest evacuation 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. Failure to do so can pose additional risk to firefighters and the public. 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: A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10 am to 8 pm. Winds out of the southwest to west of 15 to 20 mph in the morning will become west to northwest and increase to 20 to 25 mph by late morning and continue through the afternoon. Wind gusts will be between 35 and 40 mph. Maximum temperatures will top out in the lower 60s to mid 70s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 6 to 13%.

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 Stage II fire restrictions forest-wide. Full closure order and map are available at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place over the area was expanded to include the Gallinas Canyon area. The TFR also covers unmanned aircraft, or drones. If a private drone intrudes into the fire area, it will require a pause in all air operations and impede firefighting progress, putting firefighters at greater risk.

Smoke: The Las Vegas area will see Unhealthy for Sensitive Group (USG) conditions today into tonight, becoming moderate to periods of USG Tuesday as southwest winds return. Expect air quality (AQ) reduction late evening into overnight as smoke drains into the valley. Mora will experience USG smoke in the area early, becoming moderate mid-morning into early afternoon, switching to moderate to USG late afternoon. AQ around Rociada, Pendaries, Buena Vista, and Sapello today should range from Unhealthy to periods of USG as fire activity continues adjacent to the area. 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 Calf Canyon Fire and Hermit Peak Fire 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.calfcanyon@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.