Midnight Fire: Nearly 4,000 acres burned, 0% containment

Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire resources are being sent over to the Midnight Fire, which started on Thursday night. As of Monday, it’s burned nearly 4,000 acres in Rio Arriba County.

• Acreage — 3,944 acres
• Containment — 0%
• Total Personnel — 225
• Start Date — June 9
• Location — 4.5 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County
• Cause — Under investigation
• Fuels — Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush and grass

On Sunday night, crews were able to initiate a burn operation using established road systems on the southern edge of the fire. The burn operation was successful, and crews were able to transition to a patrol and monitor status.

Along Forest Road 44, crews were able to successfully check the spread of the fire from moving east. Dozer line was constructed on the east side of the fire and is progressing to the north. A fire scar from a 2019 managed fire is providing firefighters good control features along the eastern flank of the fire.

On the west side of flank of the fire, crews were able to begin construction on direct hand line with support from aviation. A night shift is in place and will be present to monitor the fire overnight and is prepared to continue with burning operations if the opportunity presents itself.  

Evacuations (Using the Ready-Set-Go system): A map of the latest evacuations can be found here.