LAS VEGAS, NM – April 08, 2022 – The Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Hermits Peak Fire at 6:00 am April 8. The Hermits Peak Fire started on Wednesday April 6 when unexpected winds caused the Las Dispensas prescribed burn to produce multiple spot fires. Fire managers on the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District declared the prescribed burn a wildfire and implemented a full suppression strategy. There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) in place for the fire area, and a public closure order has been implemented to protect public health and safety during fire operations. The incident management team will continue the full suppression strategy utilizing hand crews and going direct with helicopter support.
Start date: April 06, 2022 Location: 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: 350 acres Percent Contained: 0% Resources: 4 hotshot crews, 1 Type 2 IA crew, 6 engines, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 1 Type 2 helicopter, 1 Type 3 helicopter, and 1 Rapid Extraction Module. Fire Behavior and Fuels: The Hermits Peak Fire is actively burning in dense, overgrown mixed conifer. 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 Twitter pages. For more information, contact the Hermits Peak Fire information line at 505-663-6334. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire. Unauthorized use of unmanned aircraft (also known as “drones”) in a fire area endangers the lives of pilots and firefighters and is strictly forbidden. Never fly unmanned aircraft over or near a wildfire whether there is a TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) in effect or not. Visit https://www.nifc.gov/drones and Know Before You Go for more information on drones and wildfires.
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