Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fires

May 8, 2022, daily update, 09:00 am

Reflexes: A red flag warning began yesterday, continued overnight, and continues today and into tonight. A high wind warning was also issued through Monday, resulting in very active fire behavior in some areas. Prior to this wind event, firefighters implemented many control measures to stop and control the fire and continue to do so. These control features hold up in some areas, but are being tested by the wind in others. Scooper planes and Type 1 helicopters could fly longer than planned yesterday, helping ground efforts. Today, air assets will help if they can, but expect winds to keep them grounded for most of the day. Structure protection groups have done an immense amount of work in communities and around homes and other structures. This work helps mitigate risks to properties as fires progress. Firefighters will continue to fight the fire and protect homes for as long as it is safe. As a backup, contingency lines further away from the fire have been and continue to be built in anticipation of possible movement. Be very careful not to start new fires, as this could put firefighters in additional danger and take them away from fighting this fire. Sheriffs in San Miguel and Mora counties are asking residents to remain on high alert for changes in evacuation status and road closures.

Operations: Firefighters worked hard to protect homes and other values ​​near the communities of Goat Hills, Mineral Hills and Blue Hills yesterday, the most active area of ​​the fire. This area is a high priority today. Overnight crews enacted more protective measures to sustain it and will be looking at additional strategies today. The fire became more active in the desert yesterday, but shovel planes arrived early to drop water to help control it. Winds were favorable at higher elevations from the desert to Enchanted Lake, resulting in little movement even in heavy fuels. In populated areas on the west side, firefighters will help direct the fire around homes and other assets. Near Cleveland, winds have been favorable from north to northwest, giving crews time to work along 518, 121, 434 and 442 for more structure protection measures and additional bulldozer lines. The east side of the Ledoux to Las Tusas fire is being monitored and patrolled, which means crews are watching things, cleaning up hot spots and addressing issues. Around Montezuma and down to the Gallinas corridor, there continues to be a structure protection presence and things are looking good. Interior dots appeared throughout the interior, but they weren’t threatening lines. Although there were indoor fires around Las Vegas, the lines remain. The mutual aid group continues to help in this area.

Evacuations: Scan the QR code for the latest evacuation map or visit the ArcGIS map. Cinder Road and Camp Luna communities are downgraded to SET STATUS. It is imperative to respect closures and follow evacuation orders. Follow the San Miguel County and Mora County Sheriff’s Facebook pages for the latest updates on https://www.facebook.com/smcso.nm Y https://www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice.

Weather: The winds will be stronger today than yesterday. In the extreme south, the winds will be southwest to west at 30 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 to 55. In the Mora River Valley, the winds will be west to northwest at 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 to 35. High temperatures will be in the upper 60’s to low-80’s. The minimum values ​​of relative humidity will be from 5 to 11%.

Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest closure order includes the entire Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District. Stage 2 fire restrictions have been implemented throughout the forest. The full closure order and map are available at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009.

Smoke: An interactive smoke map in https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom in on your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Future Fire Information: Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Information Office hours are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm The fire information phone number is 505-356-2636. The email address is [email protected]. Fire information is posted on inciwebthe sfnf’s facebook Y Twitter, sfnf websiteand the New Mexico Fire Information website.