Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak wildfire now the largest in New Mexico history

MORA COUNTY, N.M. – The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire is now the largest wildfire in state history and it keeps growing and is threatening more homes, forcing more New Mexicans to evacuate.

The fire surpassed 298,000 acres Monday and is now approaching the Cooks Peak Fire, roughly 40 miles north of Las Vegas.

In Sunday’s briefing, officials said they are pulling resources from the Cerro Pelado Fire. 

Crews also divided the fire into three zones. Right now they’re focused on the central zone, hoping to prevent any more structural damage.

Black Lake, Black Lake Resort and Hidden Lake were moved to ’Go’ status Sunday, meaning those communities should evacuate immediately.

The Village of Angel Fire is still under ‘Set’ status, meaning residents should prepare for the possibility of evacuation.

Acreage — 298,060 acres (was 288,942)
Containment — 27% (was 36%)
Total Personnel — 2,015 (was 1,930)
Start Date —  Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022
Cause — Hermits Peak: Spot fires from a prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: Under investigation
Fuels — Timber, closed timber litter; South Zone: Short grass, hardwood litter, timber litter and understory; Central: Timber grass and understory, closed timber litter, timber litter and understory