05/12/2022
May 11th, 2022 / 4:00pm
PRESS RELEASE
Hello Taos County constituents. The events surrounding the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire that is currently burning in San Miguel, Mora, Colfax, and Taos Counties has rightfully caused great concern and compassion within our communities. While this incident is an unprecedented event our pre-planning and pre-staged resources, along with our Local, State, and Federal Partners, Red Cross, and many other community groups, has made the best of a very bad situation.
Your Taos County Management Team understands your concerns. However, it is important to mention that 911 is NOT an information hotline. Dispatchers are tasked with real emergencies so please DO NOT call E-911 unless you have a true emergency to report. For fire information and shelters log on to inciweb.nwcg.gov, call (505)356-2636, or visit the Santa Fe National Forest page.
To correct any misinformation, I want to share the following so everyone knows what Ready – Set – Go evacuation status is and where the local shelters are operating.
Ready – Set – Go defined
LEVEL 1: “READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area - it is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and pets/livestock.. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE. Have your “GO Bag” ready.
LEVEL 2: “BE SET” to evacuate. YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO LEAVE AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE. There is a significant threat/danger to your area. Residents should voluntarily relocate now. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE YOU RECEIVE.
LEVEL 3: “GO” Evacuate NOW - LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current and imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE. Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe.
Areas within Taos County that are in evacuation stage(s):
GO status – HWY518 from mm 52 (Sippapu Resort) east to the Mora County line. HWY 518 is closed at MM52.
SET status – HWY518 from Rockwall to MM52(Sippapu Resort).
READY status – US64 from MM260 east to the Colfax County line.
Scan the QR code here for the latest evacuation map or visit the ArcGIS Map at; https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bfb95b09412840c0afd99626ea2bee4f
Shelters in Taos County:
Peñasco High School
Address:13 Old School Rd, Peñasco, NM 87553
Contact: (575)-587-2502
Juan Gonzales AG Center
202 Camisa Rd Taos, NM 87571
Contact: Bobby Lucero (575) 779-9381
Red River Convention Center
Address: 101 E River Street, Red River, NM 87558
Contact: (575)-754-1708
Taos County Sheriff's Posse Rodeo Grounds
(For RV's and those with livestock)(meals will be delivered)
Address: 230 Camino de la Merced, Taos, NM 87571
For Livestock, please call Livestock Inspector: Ruben Baca (575)-770-1490
Other Services Include:
Taos Youth & Family Center (access to showers)
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
407 Paseo del Canon East Taos, NM 87571
To donate food, clothing, money, etc. visit the American Red Cross webpage.
- Sheriff Jerry Hogrefe
Evacuations and status (Ready, Set, Go, Planning, Order Lifted) for the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fires.
