May 11, 2022, daily update, 09:00
Acres: 236,939 acres – Limit: 33% – Total staff: 1,863 Start date: Hermit Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022 Cause: Hermit Peak: fires on site from prescribed burns; Calf Canyon: under investigation Location: Located near Gallinas Canyon – Fuels: Heavy mixed conifers, pine ponderosis, shrubs and grass
Highlights: The red flag warnings continue today from 11:00 to 21:00 with strong winds, high temperatures and single-digit relative humidity values. This leads to extreme fire behavior and rapid growth. Yesterday, about a hundred miles around the fire, large clouds of smoke could be seen in all directions. Spot fires continue to be a problem as winds blow away the heat in front of the fire in extremely susceptible grasses, shrubs and trees. Helicopters and fixed-wing planes were able to fly north and south yesterday to support firefighters on the ground. They will continue today, if the wind allows. Resources are being strategically moved around the fire from areas of reduced activity to those that are very active. The temporary flight restriction has been extended and applies to all drones and aircraft that do not operate with fire. In areas with reduced evacuation status, please be careful with firefighters and utility workers as you return home. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos and Colfax counties must remain on high alert for changes in evacuation status and road closures.
Operations: On the north side, the fire crossed another section of Highway 518 near Holman Hill yesterday and moved to Chacon. Firefighters are involved and construction protection teams are working to protect homes and other valuables. The previous fire on the site, which broke out over Highway 518 on Sunday, made a big run, pushing itself between Chacon and Guadulapita. It is expected to be 1-2 miles from the Colfax County line by the end of the day. Protection of the structure continues in the corridors of the highways, and the communities and crews of the canyon will work to the north as the fire progresses in the newly affected areas, including Taos and Colfax counties. The east side from Ledu to Las Vegas is on patrol. Teams are beginning to remove sprinkler systems that are no longer needed and move them to other areas of the fire. Pockets of internal fuels can be seen on the east side, which burn but do not pose a threat to airtight lines. The fire was very active in the south, but the visible smoke columns were within the lines of restraint. Crews tie additional bulldozer lines, roads and trails together to keep the fire from moving south, and the winds push the fire back. In the southwest of Pecos, firefighters are actively working to hit the fire line, and in the Bull Canyon measures have been implemented to protect the structure. In the Gascon and Rosiada area, crews are still placing a bulldozer and handle and keeping the fire away from structures. The fire continues to move in the Pecos Desert to Lone Pine Mesa, Blue Bell Ridge and higher near Lake Enchantment.
Evacuations: Scan the QR code or click on this link (for a history map website that has the latest evacuation map, fire perimeter, daily progress and closure map. Please follow San Miguel County (www.facebook.com/ smcso.nm), Mora County (www.facebook.com/moracountysheriffoffice) and Taos County (Sheriff’s Facebook page for the latest updates).
Weather: At the southern end the winds will be from south to southwest from 28 to 32 miles per hour with gusts up to 50. In the Mora River valley the winds will be from south to southwest from 15 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 35. Maximum temperatures will be in the upper 60s to low 80s. The minimum values of relative humidity will be 10 to 19%.
Restrictions: The order to close the Santa Fe National Forest covers the entire Pecos / Las Vegas Ranger area. Stage 2 fire restrictions have been introduced for the entire forest. The full order and closure card are available at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009.
Smoke: An interactive smoke map allows you to zoom in on your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Future information on fires: The office hours of The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires are open from 08:00 to 20:00. The telephone number for information on fires is 505-356-2636. The email address is 2022.hermitspeak@firenet.gov. Information about the fires is published on Inciweb, SFNF Facebook and Twitter, the SFNF website and the fire information website in New Mexico.
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