Almost 260,000 acres burned by Calf Canyon Fire — no end in sight
Prediction that the combined Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire will be the largest in New Mexico history might come true by the end of this week. Since yesterday wildfire grew in the northern and western directions primarily through Ponderosa pine with a significant amount of dead and downed trees in the understory, affecting about 22,000 acres.
Total burned are at 259,810 acres, and containment continue to decrease. Dry weather and strong winds being the main drivers for such the massive spread.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect 09:00 through 20:00. Maximum sustained winds will be west to west-southwest at 25 to 30 mph with gusts to 40-45 mph. Maximum temperatures will top out in the mid 60s in the upper elevations, to the mid 70s in the lower elevations. Minimum relative humidity values will be 5 to 14 percent.
The size of the fire is truly massive — at this moment, the distance between southernmost and northernmost points approaching 50 miles.
Planned Actions:
North
Hold line South and West of Mora along the northern perimeter of the fire to reduce the potential of fire impacting Mora, Ledoux, Cleveland, South Carmen, Bueno Vista, Holman, Guadalupita and Guadalupita South. If we are unable to hold perimeter line in this area, engage in structure defense, and additional evacuations as dictated by fire environment.
East
Patrol the 518 road, engage in structure protection for Canoncita, San Ignacio, Sapello, Las Tusas and Manuelitas. Prevent further structure loss within the fire perimeter. Prepare structures between the 518 Road and the fires edge to the west for the potential of northward fire progression beginning Sunday.
South
Hold fire North of Highway 283, holding the Dozer line running from Storrie Lake to Bradner Reservoir and down to Highway 283.
Structure Group
Combined structure groups will continue to prep and prepare for structure defense in Ledoux, and prepare to engage in structure defense in Mora, Cleveland, South Carmen, Bueno Vista, Sapello, Las Tusas, Manuelitas, Emplazado, Gallinas, El Porvenir, Canovas Canyon, Big Pine, Rociada, Upper Rociada, Hot Springs, Holman and Mineral Hills. Efforts will be prioritized based on probability of success and proximity of VARs to threat.
Other
Continue to coordinate with the local utility companies to allow for operation of critical infrastructure. Continue to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to account for public safety.