Calf Canyon Fire grew to 160,104 acres — second largest wildfire in New Mexico history
New Mexico Fire Information posted an update on Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires, reporting 15,000 acres increase in area overnight. Total affected area at 160,104 acres, making it second larges in New Mexico history, after 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Fire, which burned over 300,000 acres.
Progression April 21 – May 3:
Containment still at just 20%, and conditions are still critical, despite over 1200 personnel involved in operations. There is an anticipated increase in fire activity in multiple locations across the fire as winds shift throughout the day.
Firefighters continued defensive firing operations yesterday to remove fuels near structures and secure line. Air resources flew all day in support of these missions.
Crews will continue firing operations, removing fuel between containment lines and the uncontrolled fire front to slow fire spread. Numerous helicopters, LATs (Large Air Tankers) and VLATs (Very Large Air Tankers), as well as six scooper planes continue to deliver water and retardant to the fireline. As a reminder, the scooper planes are dipping water out of Lake Isabel which is on private property.
Weather forecast:
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Southwest to west winds in the morning of 15 to 20 mph will become west to northwest at 22 to 27 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts will be between 35 and 40 mph. Maximum temperatures will top out in the lower 50s to mid 60s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 8 to 15%.
Evacuations:
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.
Interactive evacuation map available at ArcGIS Map.
Smoke Forecast:
Communities on the east and immediate south sides of the fire will see the greatest reduction in air quality. The Las Vegas Valley will see Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) today becoming Unhealthy into tonight. Mora will average USG with periods of Unhealthy late afternoon into tonight with winds pushing smoke eastward. Air quality around Rociada, Pendaries and Buena Vista should improve somewhat by late afternoon with cleaner west to northwest wind.
