Wildfire — East Slopes Sangre De Cristo Mountains, New Mexico

2022-05-01 to 2022-05-31 · East Slopes Sangre De Cristo Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire continued to devastate the area as it grew significantly during the month of May. The wildfire at the end of April was at 103,908 acres, but continued strong winds across the area throughout the month of May allowed the wildfire to spread rapidly. Within the first three days of May, the fire grew over 40,000 acres to a total of 145,854 acres with only 20% containment. During this time, the fire pushed northward toward Mora and northwest toward Las Tusas and Sapello. It also pushed towards Las Vegas, prompting evacuation orders for the western side of the city. By May 16, the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire grew to 298,060 acres, officially surpassing the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Fire and becoming the largest wildfire in New Mexico State history. By the end of the month, the wildfire burned 315,627 acres with 50% containment. Official numbers for homes and structures destroyed are still unknown, but on May 17th, the San Miguel County Sherrif reported that at least 340 homes had been destroyed with 275 other structures lost as well. Damages are estimated.

Wider weather episode

The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire, which were originally two separate wildfires that combined during the month of April 2022, continued to devastate the area during the month of May. By mid-May, this fire grew to over 300,000 acres which officially surpassed the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Fire to become the largest wildfire in New Mexico State history.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1018398. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.