Single Publication

Acres: 298,060
Containment: 27%
Total personnel: 2,015Start 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: Dynamic weather patterns are anticipated today. Dry thunderstorms in the afternoon will likely cause very active fire behavior and increase potential for fire spread. The fire is expected to remain active, with critically dry fuels and near-record temperatures. All zones of the fire will continue to utilize air support when conditions allow. Fire managers have plans in place to cover both current fire activity and the potential for new lightning-caused fires. 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): The most active area in the South Zone yesterday was the southeast side. Below Barillas Peak and further north, the fire pushed across or spotted over dozer lines. The fire became established where this occurred due to shifting winds and complex terrain. Fire leadership is evaluating where to connect road and trail systems with dozer lines to keep it east of the Pecos corridor. Structure protection measures continue in Upper and Lower Colonias, Bull Canyon, and Cow Creek. Around Rociada and Gascon, the fire flared up around several structures yesterday, but firefighters were able to put them out. Crews are monitoring the east side, and the containment lines continue to hold. The mutual aid group helping around Las Vegas has returned to their home units.

Central (SWIMT1): Firing operations were conducted on NM Highway 434 near Guadalupita and retardant was used to reinforce contingency lines along the Luna fire scar. Structure protection groups continue working near Sierra Bonita and north to Angel Fire. A contingency group is working in the areas to the west of Angel Fire as well. Highway 518 may be impacted this afternoon with the arrival of the dry thunderstorms and the southwest winds. Firefighters are conducting structure triage and assessing for any further needs near the communities of Llano Largo as well as on the southwest side of Angel Fire. 

North (CIMT2): Today we continue to proactively pre-plan for possible situations that may arise from changing weather and fire conditions. We continue to identify values at risk with coordination across all zones. Priorities still remain the protection of the communities, wildlife, and assets of these areas.
Evacuations:  Evacuation maps available at on ArcGIS and follow: 

• San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
• Mora County Sheriff’s Office Facebook
• Taos County Sheriff’s Office Facebook

Weather: Dry thunderstorms anticipated this afternoon. South to southwest winds expected throughout the day, which will push the fire to the north and northeast. Today will be a dynamic and active day for the fire. Minimum relative humidity remains in the single digits. Any moisture today will be in the form of virga, which is precipitation that will evaporate before it can hit the ground and due to that will have little to no impact on the fire.

Restrictions: Carson National Forest Camino Real Ranger District closure order and map. Santa Fe National Forest Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District closure order and map. Both have forest-wide Stage 2 fire restrictions in place.

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

Fire Information: 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/ | facebook.com/CalfCanyonHermitsPeak | nmfireinfo.com/