Rain Dampens but doesn't Extinguish Calf Canyon–Hermits Peak Fire

Fire activity subsides due to rain, causing a cooler weekend temperature

Fire officials say Calf Canyon-Hermits Peak Fire has calmed down over the last week, as well as asking people to be ready for potential flooding as monsoon rains come in this weekend. The largest wildfire in the history of New Mexico expanded its perimeters by 15,000 acres between Monday (June 13) and Thursday (June 16). However, it experienced a minimal increase over the weekend. 

On Friday (June 17), a new fire south of Angel Fire was rapidly contained to about a ten-square-foot area using helicopters and vehicles that were already present. 

An interactive evacuation map is available online as well as "Ready, Set, Go!" evacuation guides in English and Spanish and disaster assistance resources. Because of extreme fire risk, all of New Mexico's national forests are closed to the public, as well as the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests.

According to a Saturday press release, weather changes in recent days have reduced fire activity. South-southeast winds on Saturday brought moist clouds, increasing humidity, and light rain throughout the Pecos River drainage area. Clouds will be thick today, and showers are possible.

Dead and downed timber takes time to absorb water, so smoldering trees and fallen logs might reignite. Crews will chip and mend suppression damage on Barillas Peak and Skyline Trail. Water drops will continue today on Hamilton Mesa Trail as firefighters continue to remove fuels of various types. 

Wildland Fire Modules will continue to monitor and patrol the fire perimeter from Ripley Peak to Serpent Lake in the North Zone of the fire, according to the announcement. The dozers and heavy equipment are making good progress on the roads and control lines in the west. A major effort is being made on the Pot Creek road in the north in order to finish it in three to four days. There is a rapid pace of progress in Chacona, Sierra Bonita, and south of Mora, where three suppression repair groups are working. They are still ready to respond to debris flows and flooding, in addition to the Rapid Response Task Force based in Taos.

Fire officers are preparing for dangerous debris flow and flooding from burned areas as storms transition to wetting rain this weekend. The NM 518 corridor in particular will be monitored for rainfall, particularly as the Mora fire camp shuts down and fire officers are moved to more strategic locations. For improved monitoring of rainfall, Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) are being relocated. A live-streamed community briefing on the Calf Canyon–Hermits Peak Fire Facebook page will take place on Friday at 6 pm.

In the wake of the devastating Hermits Peak/ Calf Canyon fire, you might not think that you have the right to file a personal injury claim. Will Ferguson & Associates represents people who have been harmed or had their property destroyed in the Hermit Peak/ Calf Canyon wildfire. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and help you submit a proper compensation claim. They will ensure your life returns to normal. 

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