Courtesy photos South Fork Fire Rescue sent out a three-person crew to aid in the Calf Canyon Fire burning near Las Vegas and Sante Fe, N.M. The crew was expected to aid in the fire for 14 days but may stay longer if additional resources are needed.

SOUTH FORK — According to a statement from South Fork Fire Rescue, a three-person crew and a Type 6 wildland engine was deployed on May 2 to aid in the Calf Canyon Fire that is burning between Las Vegas and Sante Fe, N.M. 

“South Fork Fire Rescue Wildland Division, first deployment of the season on Monday, May 2, 2022, South Fork Fire Rescue deployed a Type 6 wildland engine and a three-person crew to the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires in New Mexico. The crew will be on assignment for the next 14 days. 

“The fire weather conditions in the area of this fire are not very different from those we’ve been experiencing in South Fork. The low humidity and high winds have led to the explosive growth of this particular fire. It is a reminder to our community to use caution with anything that can spark a fire, especially on Red Flag days. 

“Crews will be working on the Calf Canyon Fire for the next 14 days. It is possible that our crew will be on site to help with the fire due to a lack of resources for additional days,” South Fork Fire Rescue officials stated.

More information on the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/8049/68412/. A smoke map can also be found at https://fire.airnow.gov.

Just days after the deployment of their crew, South Fork Fire Rescue and Rio Grande County entered into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and have sent out countless warnings for Red Flag days. High winds that have wreaked havoc throughout the San Luis Valley have caused some concern for fire danger in the region. 

The weather forecast predicts additional windy days and no moisture in sight. This combined with the increasing temperatures makes for prime conditions for fire danger and caution is urged by local, state and federal agencies for the public to be aware of the high fire danger.