Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire: 279,000 acres burned, Angel Fire readies to evacuate

ANGEL FIRE, N.M. — Fire officials are turning their attention to the north end of the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire. The fire is 27% contained and has burned a total of 279,000 acres as of Saturday.

The surrounding areas south of Angel Fire are evacuating and the Angel Fire Resort is pushing its summer opening day by a week due to the fires.

Angel Fire has been under a ‘Set’ evacuation status for three days. The fire is about 12 miles away at this time.

One local business owner said he had to swap out his regular tourist customers for firefighters. Steve Larson, who owns Enchanted Circle Brewing, said he noticed most tourists left when evacuation notices started going out. The brewery has seen fewer customers, and also less staff since some opted to evacuate completely.

“We’ve had a lot of calls asking about whether we are open,” Larson said.

Fire officials said they’ve been able to be more proactive in their approach in Angel Fire since the fire is moving slowly toward them. They’ve also been able to use aerial approaches the last few days since the winds have died down a bit.

Acres:  279,868 acres

Containment: 27%

Total personnel:  1,924

Start Date:  Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022

Cause: Hermits Peak: spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: under investigation

Location: Located near Gallinas Canyon

Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass

Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures.