High winds could accelerate spread of Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires — area at 170,665 acres

Overnight spread of the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires added just a few thousand acres, the overall affected area stands at 170,665 acres. Officials issued a Red Flag Warning due to multi-day high winds that could result in extreme fire behavior.

Conditions could change quickly, and a significant concern for firefighters is that new fire starts during this period could redirect resources from their current tasks. In the last few days, firefighters have worked tirelessly to add and strengthen control lines, construct more contingency lines, and prepare structures; however, fire remains on the landscape and could be a threat in some areas.

Officials say that some structure protection equipment being stolen from the fireline, asking to report anything suspicious.

Today's operations:

• Ground crews will continue to work to keep fire out of the values

• Cooling hot spots around the fire’s edge

• Due to high winds air support unlikely

• Structure protection groups setting up hose lays and sprinkler systems, clearing away vegetation, and creating firelines around homes and buildings

• Crews in the vicinity of Sapello, Las Tusas and the surrounding areas to monitor and mitigate any issues

Weather forecast:

West to southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph in the morning will increase to 30 to 35 mph in the afternoon. Wind gusts will be around 50 mph. Maximum temperatures will be in the lower 70’s to mid-80’s. Minimum relative humidity values will be 4 to 9%.

Evacuations: Check updates at ArcGIS Map.