New Mexico Department of Health and New Mexico Environment Department Issue Smoke Advisory for Northeastern New Mexico Thursday evening

Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Colfax (NW of I-25)

Santa Fe — The New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Environment Department today issued a smoke advisory for communities in San Miguel, Mora, and Colfax Counties due to anticipated smoke from the Hermits Peak Fire in New Mexico. The advisory will be in effect through Thursday evening. The Hermits Peak Fire started on April 6, 2022 at about 4:30 p.m., approximately 12 miles northwest of Las Vegas at the base of Hermits Peak in the Pecos Wilderness. The Hermits Peak Fire is burning through mixed conifer in steep, rugged terrain that poses challenges for firefighter access. The fire is approximately 6,276 acres burning mixed conifer and is currently 10% contained according to Hermits Peak Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov). The Hermits Peak Fire is anticipated to generate smoke toward the I-25 corridor in Northeastern New Mexico tonight and into tomorrow. The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office has issued several evacuation orders using the Ready, Set, Go! System. For more details check NMFireInfo.com.

Smoke from the Hermits Peak Fire is located 12 miles northwest of Las Vegas, NM will spread across much of San Miguel County through Thursday evening. Smoke may be visible from Gallinas, El Porvenir, San Pablo, Mineral Hill, San Geronimo, Gascon, Pendaries, Rociada, Mora, Ledoux, Las Vegas, and along the I-25 corridor. Remember, your eyes are your best tools to determine if it is safe to be outside.

Use the 5-3-1 Method available at https://nmtracking.org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.

• If visibility is under 5 miles, the air quality is unhealthy for young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness and they should reduce outdoor activity.
• If visibility is under 3 miles, young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness* should stay inside.
• If visibility is under 1 mile, the air quality is unhealthy for everyone and everyone should stay inside. Unless an evacuation has been issued, stay inside your home, indoor workplace, or in a safe shelter.

Visit https://nmtracking.org/fire  to find guidance on distances and visibility and to get practical health tips for smoky days.

Individuals can improve indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events using indoor air cleaners including Do-It-Yourself air cleaners. Visit Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors | US EPA for guidance on how to make Do-It-Yourself air cleaners.

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