ANGEL FIRE, NM – The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire has now burned nearly 260,000 acres in New Mexico. Containment has fallen below 30% since Thursday. Thousands of firefighters are working to keep residents near the fires safe.
In Angel Fire, many people living in the south of the city have already evacuated. Other residents have also evacuated even though they are not in the “Go” phase – fearing what might happen next. Many residents are also preparing to leave.
Fire crews are working to remove any combustibles that the fire might benefit from. They also place large water tanks where they can and use resort snowmaking equipment ready to go if the fire gets close.
Local officials said some rental companies and AirBnB hosts let firefighters stay for free.
The residents of Angel Fire are hoping the winds are in their favor.
On the other side of the fire, several communities in the Gallinas region were finally able to return to their homes on Thursday. They are still under ‘Set’ evacuation orders – meaning they may need to be evacuated again, but so far they are fine.
On the east side of the fire, from Ledoux to Las Vegas, the containment lines are holding firm. Fire officials said the wind was pushing the fire towards itself and not threatening the lines.
The biggest concern for firefighters is the north side of the wildfire, where they are focused on protecting the structure of homes on that side. They are also concerned about hotspot embers flying into cool territory.
When it comes to downgraded evacuations, people should always be ready to leave at any time. Fire managers warn the public that in these areas there may be power lines and downed trees.
Evacuations: Click here for an interactive evacuation map for the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fires.
Acres: 259,810 acres
Containment: 29%
Total workforce : 1,859
Start date: Hermit Peak: April 6, 2022; Calves Canyon: April 19, 2022
Cause: Hermits Peak: localized fires by prescribed burning; Calf Canyon: under investigation
Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush and grass
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