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Rare wind event complicating firefighting efforts in New Mexico

Spring Wildfires
Posted at 7:00 PM, May 09, 2022
and last updated 2022-05-09 19:00:29-04

Parts of New Mexico are in the midst of "exceptionally dangerous" and extreme fire weather, according to the National Weather Service.

The state is dealing with high winds, single-digit humidity and above-average temperatures.

More than a dozen active fires are burning in the state. The largest fire is in northern New Mexico, near the city of Las Vegas.

The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire has burned nearly 190,000 acres and is 43% contained. More than 1,500 firefighters are working to get control of the fire, which partially started because of a prescribed burn.

Several communities have been forced to evacuate. State officials said Taos County has been put on notice as the fire moves north.