Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire: 145,000 acres burned, mandatory evacuations underway

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire surpassed 145,000 acres Tuesday, making it one of the largest fires in state history and the largest fire right now in the U.S.

Unfortunately, fire officials said it’s going to get even bigger.

All of Mora was placed under mandatory evacuations Sunday. Officials notified residents they must take Highways 433, 442 or 518 north to Taos to leave. Those roads are open for evacuation only and no re-entry will be allowed.

On Monday, evacuation orders were issued for portions of Las Vegas. Details can be found below.

A live evacuation map is available here. Two lines have been set up with the latest information on the fire: (505) 356-2636 and (505) 398-1151.

The National Weather Service Albuquerque also issued an advisory for those who are forced to evacuate. A wildland fire action guide is available here.

The Santa Fe National Forest has closed the entire Pecos and Las Vegas Ranger District to the public – this area includes all land, roads and trails in the ranger district around Las Vegas. Anyone caught in closed areas could face a $5,000 fine and six months in jail.

Road Closures — City of Las Vegas: All routes southbound are open for evacuation. New Mexico Highway 65 is closed northbound at the state hospital.

Evacuations (using the Ready-Set-Go! system and this live evacuation map):

GO – Mandatory evacuation status: Las Vegas communities of Luna and Cinder; Behavioral Health Institute in Las Vegas; South Mora up to 121 (south and west of 518), Penasco Blanco, South Carmen, Ledoux, Upper Morphy, Santlago Creek, Abuelo, Puertocito, Hot Springs, Storrie Lake, Las Dispensas, San Ignacio, Lone Pine Mesa, Chavez, Canoncito, Pendaries Village, Pendaries Valley East, Rociada, Upper Rociada, Tierra Monte Canyon, La Canada, Las Tusas, the area of 527-525 on Highway 518, East and West Sapello, Emplazado and Manuelitas, Mineral Hill, San Pablo, Ojitos Frios and San Geronimo, The Big Pine, Porvenir Canyon, Canovas Canyon, El Porvenir, Gallinas, Lower Canyon Road and Trout Springs areas.

SET – Be prepared to evacuate immediately: Las Vegas areas of Creston and Bibb.

READY – Maintain a defensible space around your home: West Las Vegas, areas of East Cinder, Romeroville West and East in Las Vegas.

Evacuation Centers — The Glorieta Camp, 11 State Road 50, Glorieta, NM 87535, is now housing shelter operations for community and American Red Cross volunteers. The Old Memorial Middle School shelter will remain open under San Miguel County’s direction.

The Premiere Pets Playground, 4020 Peggy Rd SE F, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, has also offered room for cats needing evacuation. They can be reached at 505-379-2935.

Donations — Jeanette Vigil at 505-429-9062 or Antonia Roybal-Mack, handyman and remodel, at 6700 Jefferson St. NE Suite A3 for easy-to-eat meals, protein bars, pet food, bottled water and sports drinks for affected areas; Solamente Holistic Health at 833 Lomas Blvd NW for clothing donations

KOB 4 is partnering with American Red Cross New Mexico to help people affected by wildfires in our state. Click here for information on how to donate.