Hart Canyon Fire Update August 12, 2023, 7:00 P.M. MDT
The Hart Canyon fire is estimated at 17 acres and is 50% contained.
The containment lines have held. Assets on scene have been reduced and there are 25 personnel on scene.
Afternoon rains brought relief and crews were able to take well-deserved showers at Philmont.
This will be the last update on the Hart Canyon Fire unless there are further developments.
Philmont will continue to support crews in the field.
We greatly appreciate the Philmont Fire Department, NM State Forestry and Vermejo Park Ranch for keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
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Hart Canyon Fire Update August 11, 2023, 8:00 P.M. MDT
The Hart Canyon fire is currently estimated at 17 acres and is 10% contained.
The containment lines have held and crews continue to secure the lines around the perimeter of the fire.
Personnel on the fire has been reduced as well as other assets including Philmont’s D7 dozer, which did amazing work.
Philmont is hosting fire crews for well deserved showers and continues to provide meals to the crews in the field.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected in the short term forecast.
The health and safety of all Philmont staff and participants is our top priority. We greatly appreciate our first responders for keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Please look for further updates as they develop.
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Hart Canyon Fire Update August 10, 2023, 4:30 P.M. MDT
The Hart Canyon Fire is currently estimated at 15-20 acres (air attack estimates) and is 0% contained.
The fire was started by lightning on 8/9/23 and was first witnessed by three separate crews in Philmont’s North country. They reported smoke sightings to base per Philmont’s fire reporting protocol. The fire is burning in mixed conifer and ponderosa pine.
Hand crews are securing the boundaries set by yesterday’s seven air retardant drops. At this time, everything within the retardant boundary is holding.
76 personnel from the Philmont Fire Department, NM State Forestry and Vermejo Park Ranch are currently on scene. Philmont’s D7 bulldozer and one from the Express UU Bar are also on site.
Rich Cabins staff and livestock returned to base camp this morning due to increased fire traffic.
Three crews were rerouted to ensure program quality. No staff, participants or facilities are in danger and Philmont is carefully monitoring the situation.
The health and safety of all Philmont staff and participants is our top priority. Thank you to the State of NM for the vast deployment of resources to contain this fire. We greatly appreciate our first responders for keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Please look for further updates as they develop.
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Fire Update August 9, 2023, 7:30 P.M. MDT
A fire burning on the Greenwood Tract of the Express UU Bar Ranch is located 2.5 miles west of Rich Cabins. Philmont staffs and utilizes Rich Cabins through a land use agreement with the Express UU Bar.
The fire is estimated at 75-100 acres. Fire personnel from the Philmont Fire Department, New Mexico State Forestry and Vermejo Park Ranch are on scene with more resources en route.
Rich Cabins staff will be returning to Base Camp tomorrow due to increased fire traffic.
Additionally, three crews will be rerouted due to fire traffic and to ensure program quality. No staff, participants or facilities are in danger.
The health and safety of all Philmont staff and participants is our top priority. We greatly appreciate our first responders for keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Please look for further updates as they develop.
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 27, 2022, 11:30 AM MDT
The fire is 312,230 acres and 47% contained with 3,009 personnel assigned.
Winds will increase today with gusts to 26 mph. Highs in the upper 70’s -mid 80’s today with humidity dropping below 11%. Critical fire weather conditions have returned today and throughout the weekend.
The East Zone management Team 2 has demobilized and currently transitioning to a team from the Pacific Northwest. Team 2 departed Philmont this morning. We will work to transition from fire team to classroom settings over the next two days at the Philmont Training Center. Team 2 was of the highest caliber and there were quite a few that had been to Philmont on treks. We are grateful for the care they showed our facilities as well as the professionalism on this fire and containing the east side of the fire closest to ranch property and creating and reinforcing contingency lines all along the northern part of the fire. A special thank you to all the Philmont staff and members of our community who volunteered selflessly to help serve these fire teams in our dining hall.
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the Incident Management Team.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations and today is a big staff arrival day. By Saturday we will have over a 1000 staff on the ranch preparing to Deliver Wilderness Adventures that Last a Lifetime.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Additional information can be found at:
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 25, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT
The fire is 311,148 acres and 42% contained with 2987 personnel assigned.
Today’s acreage remains the same as there was not an IR flight due to cloud cover.
Firefighters continue to reinforce containment lines. Over 50% of the fire area received precipitation.
Mostly sunny, warmer and drier today with highs in the 50’s and 60’s. Winds out of the north and northwest with gusts of 20 mph.
The East Zone control lines are complete. A shaded fuel break was created near Taos/Colfax County line towards Angel Fire. Structure protection continues. The west zone continues to secure the work hand crews did near Martinez Pond. Today, 9 hotshot crews with air support and equipment will working a spot fire near Angostura.
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the East and West Zone Incident Management Teams and continues to host incident Management Team 2 (East Zone).
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
The rain yesterday was revered by all and Philmont staff could be seen smiling all over the ranch!
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and training of seasonal staff is in full swing as Ranger leadership, Conservation leadership, Base camp leadership and Backcountry Camp Directors continue their training.
To view an updated map of the current incident visit:
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Additional information can be found at:
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 23, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT
The fire is 311,166 acres and 40% contained with 2,930 personnel assigned.
Today will be warmer with winds out of the west and shift to the northwest this evening. Another cold front will come through tonight and shift the winds to the east.
Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon.
Favorable weather yesterday helped firefighters making good progress and resulting in minimal fire growth. Air resources were able to provide support across the fire area.
The East Zone firefighters continued patrol on the fire’s eastern edge and strengthened containment lines on the northern tip of the fire.
The west zone continues to secure line and protect communities along the Hwy 518 corridor. The west zone was successful in preventing a fire from becoming established near Martinez Pond.
Both zones will work together to build containment lines along the northern edge of the fire.
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the East and West Zone Incident Management Teams and continues to host incident Management Team 2 (East Zone).
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and training of seasonal staff is in full swing as Ranger leadership, Conservation leadership, Base camp leadership and Backcountry Camp Directors have arrived.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Additional information can be found at:
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 21, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT
The fire is estimated at 308,971 acres and is 40% contained with 2707 personnel assigned.
There is not a Red Flag Warning today. Great news for all firefighters and communities.
Increased moisture from the north and lower winds, with minimum humidity falling to around 25 percent today. A cold front sweeping in from the northeast tonight is expected to bring a surge of east to northeast winds.
The fire has been divided into three zones: East, West, and South. For descriptions of zones, please see earlier updates. Team 2, which Philmont is hosting, is in command of the East Zone of the fire. This zone roughly encompasses the affected area of Colfax and Mora Counties east of the 434 corridor south to the San Miguel County Line. Our updates will focus primarily on the East and West Zones.
The East Zone continued structure prep yesterday and continued work on defensible spaces in Black Lake and surrounding communities.
Firefighters were also working on contingency line east of the fire near Philmont’s property line with strong support from Philmont personnel. Along the Taos/Colfax County Line dozers and hand crews began building contingency line working north towards Angel Fire. Today’s cooler weather and less winds will prioritize strengthening fire line at the northern tip of the fire.
The West Zone will capitalize on favorable weather to reinforce direct line around a spot fire that developed yesterday south of NM Highway 518 near Comales Canyon. Contingency line construction will begin east of communities near Penasco today.
Philmont continues to host incident Management Team 2 (East Zone).
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the East and West Zone Incident Management Teams.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and currently onboarding seasonal staff. An update for summer operations was released yesterday and can be found on our website and social media channels.
To view an updated map of the current incident visit:
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Additional information can be found at:
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 20, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT
The fire is estimated at 303,701 acres and is 40% contained with 2408 personnel assigned.
Due to the inability to get an infrared flight overnight, there will not be an update on acreage until later today, please use the links listed below for acreage updates as the day progresses.
A Red Flag Warning today with winds from West and Southwest gusting 45-50 mph on the ridges and 40-45 mph in the valleys. Cold front will push in tonight from the north.
The fire has been divided into three zones: East, West, and South. For descriptions of zones, please see yesterday’s update. Team 2 is in command of the East Zone of the fire. This zone roughly encompasses the affected area of Colfax and Mora Counties east of the 434 corridor south to the San Miguel County Line. Our updates will focus primarily on the East and West Zones.
The East Zone continued direct line construction to create fire break utilizing dozers and hand crews including the northern tip of the fire and completing a line to the Luna burn scar. Structure protection continues.
The West Zone had fire activity in the northwest corner contributed by the red flag conditions. Firefighters will continue to contain spot fires today and continued structure protection throughout the zone.
Philmont continues to host incident Management Team 2 (East Zone).
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the East and West Zone Incident Management Teams.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and currently onboarding seasonal staff.
To view an updated map of the current incident visit:
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Additional information can be found at:
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 19, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT
The fire is estimated at 303,341 acres and is 34% contained with 2169 personnel assigned split into three zones.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today 12:00 pm through 10 pm. Today is hot, dry, and windy with gusts of 35-40 mph from the west.
The fire has been divided into three zones: East, West, and South. Team 1, in previous updates referred to as Central Zone, includes Taos County, and Mora County west of NM Highway 434 corridor to the San Miguel County Line. Team 2 has now taken command of the East Zone of the fire. This zone roughly encompasses the affected area of Colfax and Mora Counties east of the 434 corridor south to the San Miguel County Line. Team 3 is in command of the South Zone, which consists of the area within San Miguel County. Our updates will focus on the East and West Zones.
The East Zone constructed containment lines and continued structure protection and ground and air resources focused on reinforcing containment lines near Guadalupita yesterday.
The West Zone had 6 scoopers, 7 helicopters and multiple airtankers all engaged yesterday. Today’s challenge will be to keep the fire west of NM Highway 518 during the red flag conditions.
Philmont continues to host incident Management Team 2 (East Zone).
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the East and West Zone Incident Management Teams.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and currently onboarding seasonal staff.
To view an updated map of the current incident visit:
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Additional information can be found at:
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 18, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT
The fire is estimated at 301,971 acres and is 34% contained with 1958 personnel assigned.
A cold front moved in last night with some low-level moisture resulting in good humidity recovery overnight. Winds SSE gusts to 25mph today at the lower elevations. Thunderstorms could develop later this afternoon which could result in gusty erratic winds and potential for dry lightning. Red Flag warning anticipated for tomorrow.
The fire has been divided into three zones: East, West, and South. Team 1, in previous updates referred to as Central Zone, includes Taos County, and Mora County west of NM Highway 434 corridor to the San Miguel County Line. Team 2 has now taken command of the East Zone of the fire. This zone roughly encompasses the affected area of Colfax and Mora Counties east of the 434 corridor south to the San Miguel County Line. Team 3 is in command of the South Zone, which consists of the are within San Miguel County. Our updates will focus on the East and West Zones.
Yesterday the East Zone firefighters made significant progress on the north and northeast portions of the fire, adding additional containment line. They will continue to connect existing fireline north of the Luna Fire burn scar and then continue towards Angel Fire. This team will also continue additional planning further out from the fire’s edge especially ahead of the forecasted winds later in the week. Philmont continues to host this Incident Management Team (California Incident Management Team 2).
The West Zone continues to work on containment lines and work on spotting that occurred yesterday.
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the East and West Zone Incident Management Teams.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and currently onboarding seasonal staff.
Additional information can be found at:
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 17, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT
The fire is estimated at 299,565 acres and is 26% contained with 2094 personnel assigned.
The southern part of fire received thunderstorm activity last night. The northern portion received gusty winds and a few lightning strikes but much of the activity moved around the fire. This did help with humidity recovery overnight.
Today we have returned to critical fire conditions with winds west to northwest on the ridges at 14-22 mph with gusts of 28 mph.
The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire was divided into zones. Everything in San Miguel County (plus Upper Rociada) is part of the South Zone. Most areas in Mora, Colfax and Taos Counties are in the Central Zone. Our updates will focus on the Central Zone and the North planning zone.
The Central Zone continues with structure protection in Black Lake and southern areas of Angel Fire. The Philmont Volunteer Fire Department is still deployed. The fire continues to hold on Highway 434.
The North Zone was able to validate strategic values at risk and work with adjoining forces to be prepared for any future fire activity. The North Zone will continue additional planning further out from the fire’s edge, especially ahead of the forecasted winds later in the week. Philmont continues to host this North Zone team.
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the Central Zone and North Zone Incident Management Teams.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and currently onboarding seasonal staff.
Additional information can be found at:
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 16, 2022, 1:00 PM MDT
The fire is estimated at 298,060 acres and is 27% contained with 2015 personnel assigned.
The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire was divided into zones. Everything in San Miguel County (plus Upper Rociada) is part of the South Zone. Most areas in Mora, Colfax and Taos Counties are in the Central Zone. Our updates will focus on the Central Zone.
The Central Zone continues with structure protection in Black Lake and southern areas of Angel Fire. The Philmont Volunteer Fire Department is still deployed. The fire continues to hold on Highway 434. There was some growth yesterday on the west side of the Central Zone.
Excellent humidity recovery overnight. A thunderstorm warning is in effect for this afternoon. Erratic wind gusts of 50 plus mph are expected and a potential for dry lightning today. There are plans in place to cover both current fire activity and the potential for new lightning-caused fires.
Philmont continues to host Team 2 (type 1) who is pro-actively pre-planning for possible situations that may arise from weather and fire conditions and identifying values at risk across all zones.
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the Central Zone Incident Management Team.
The Type 3 team on the Cooks Peak Fire, that Philmont has hosted for 21 days, is transitioning to a Type 4 team today that we will continue to host.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and currently onboarding seasonal staff.
Additional information can be found at:
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 15, 2022, 3:30 PM MDT
The fire is estimated at 288,942 acres and is 27% contained with 1930 personnel assigned.
No Red Flag Warning Today. Low relative humidity.
The transition to the Type 1 team 1 has taken place and the Incident Command team is based out of Taos. Philmont is hosting type 1 team 2 that continues to work strategy ahead of the fire.
The Philmont Volunteer fire department, which is comprised of Philmont full-time staff, currently has 3 engines deployed to Black Lake.
Philmont Scout Ranch, the CS Ranch, and the UU Bar continue collaboration with the new team. In yesterday’s update we noted that in collaboration with state and federal agencies they put in 9 miles of dozer lines for a fuel break on the north side of the fire from Cooks Peak burn scar to Highway 120. A team of 10 Philmont sawyers reduced heavy fuel loads along this corridor.
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the new Incident Management Team.
Philmont continues to host the Type 3 team on the Cooks Peak Fire. Containment remains at 97% with continued monitoring of the interior heat and patrolling the containment lines. The type 3 team is set to demobilize tomorrow and will transition to a type 4 team that we will continue to host at Philmont.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and currently onboarding seasonal staff.
Additional information can be found at:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8066/
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
https://bit.ly/PhilmontFireRecovery
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire Update, May 14, 2022, 12:30 PM MDT
The fire is estimated at 279,868 acres and is 27% contained with 1924 personnel assigned.
No Red Flag Warning Today. Low relative humidity.
A Type 1 team has been deployed to the Northern end of the fire and Philmont is hosting a Type 1 Operations team with 70 personnel. Incident command for the Type 1 team will be based out of Taos and will transition into the role tomorrow morning.
The Philmont volunteer fire department which is comprised of Philmont full-time staff has 3 engines deployed to Black Lake.
Philmont Scout Ranch, the CS Ranch, and the UU Bar in collaboration with state and federal agencies put in 9 miles of dozer lines for a fuel break on the north side of the fire from Cooks Peak burn scar to Highway 120. A team of 10 Philmont sawyers reduced heavy fuel loads along this corridor.
The Philmont management team continues to work closely with the Incident Management Team.
Philmont continues to host the Type 3 team on the Cooks Peak Fire. Containment remains at 97% with continued monitoring of the interior heat and patrolling the containment lines. The type 3 team is set to demobilize on Monday and will transition to a type 4 team that we will continue to host at Philmont.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
Philmont is preparing for summer operations as scheduled and currently onboarding seasonal staff.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update May 11, 2022, 9:00 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire remains estimated at 59,359 acres and 97% contained. 82 personnel assigned.
Red Flag Warning and wind gusts of 50 mph today.
The Type 3 team continues to monitor the containment lines and interior heat. Resource specialists are assessing completed work and additional rehabilitation actions needed.
The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire continues to grow and is currently at 236,939 acres and 43% contained. Philmont and Cimarron Volunteer fire departments and all Colfax County fire departments are preparing for deployment.
We are grateful for all personnel on this fire and the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire and their continued safety as they continue to protect Philmont and our surrounding communities.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update May 10, 2022, 9:00 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire remains estimated at 59,359 acres and 97% contained. 82 personnel assigned.
Red Flag Warnings for the next two days with gusts of 50 mph and no chance of rain today. The hot, dry, and windy pattern will persist through Thursday.
The Type 3 team continues to monitor the containment lines and interior heat.
The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire continues to grow and is currently at 203,920 acres and 43% contained. The Philmont and Cimarron Volunteer fire departments continue to support our neighbors and have sent equipment.
We are grateful for all personnel on this fire and the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire and their continued safety as they continue to protect Philmont and our surrounding communities.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update May 9, 2022, 9:30 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire remains estimated at 59,359 acres and 97% contained. 82 personnel assigned.
Red Flag Warnings through Tuesday at 9 PM with critical fire behavior today and wind gusts 45+ mph.
Philmont is hosting the Type 3 team at the Training Center and has been since their transition from the Type 2 team last Thursday.
Philmont personnel are currently assessing the impact of this fire on our southern boundary estimated at just over 3,000 acres.
Rayado Ridge survived the fire. Plans are to continue usage this season with alternate trail camps and routes for hikes. As reported earlier, the Zastrow cabin was destroyed. This camp was going to be rested for the 2022 season. Pinyon Flats trail camp will not be usable this summer, but alternate locations are being considered.
By the end of the week, we believe we will be able to evaluate Abreu and Carson Meadows and surrounding area.
We are grateful for all personnel on this fire and the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire and their continued safety as they continue to protect Philmont and our surrounding communities.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update May 5, 2022, 8:30 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at 59,359 acres and is 97% contained. 278 personnel assigned.
Wind today with gusts 25+ mph. This is the first day in May without a red flag warning. Future forecasts show red flag warnings beginning this weekend.
Today is the day of the transition from a Type 2 to a Type 3 team. Philmont is thankful to be hosting the Type 3 team of 85 personnel at the Philmont Training Center.
A very special thanks to the Type 2 team. Many will be moving to the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire just to our south.
We are grateful for all personnel on these fires and their continued safety as they continue to protect Philmont and our surrounding communities.
Please look for the next Cooks Peak Fire Update on Monday, May 9, 2022. This will include an evaluation of Philmont property damaged or threatened by the fire.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update May 3, 2022, 10:00 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at 59,359 acres and is 72% contained. 368 personnel assigned.
Incident Command is vigilant as they described this morning that containment could be drastically reduced with one spot fire.
Another Red Flag Warning today with wind gusts at 40+ mph. There has been a reduction in evacuation status. Philmont Scout Ranch has been reduced to READY and Philmont backcountry west of State Highway 21 reduced to SET. Rayado remains in SET status.
The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire burning south of Philmont near the city of Las Vegas and encompassing many surrounding communities is over 145,000 acres and is 20% contained with many communities evacuated. It is the largest fire burning in the US with hundreds of structures lost.
The Philmont and Cimarron Volunteer Fire Departments, which are comprised of many of the Philmont full-time staff, have each sent a unit and are currently protecting structures in West Las Vegas. Also deployed are units from Vermejo, Maxwell and Moreno Valley. The spirit of serving others has always been a core principal of Scouting and is clearly present in both our fire departments and surrounding communities. Without hesitation they have moved on to help assist our neighbors.
We are grateful for all personnel on both fires and their continued safety as they continue to protect Philmont and our surrounding communities.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update: May 2, 2022, 9:00 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at 59,065 acres and is 69% contained. 413 personnel assigned.
A red flag warning continues today with gusty winds 35+mph and low humidity. Air operations continue.
The Type 2 team will transition to a Type 3 team towards the end of the week. Philmont is prepared to host the Type 3 team.
We are grateful for all personnel on the fire and their continued safety as they continue to protect Philmont and our surrounding communities.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update April 30th, 2022, 10:45 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at 56,276 acres and 56% contained. 465 personnel on scene.
Lines were held during yesterday’s high winds and evacuation status was reduced. Philmont HQ and Miami has been reduced to READY and Rayado reduced to SET. State highway 21 remains closed except for local traffic. Roadblocks remain in place.
Winds have lessened with gusts of 25+ mph. An elevated fire warning today with low humidity and a red flag warning on Sunday will be in effect with strong, gusty winds of 35+ mph and low humidity.
Air operations are able to resume today with the decrease in wind speed.
At this morning’s briefing, letters from Cimarron 3rd. graders were given to the firefighters with one being read aloud prior to the beginning of their shift.
We are grateful for all personnel on the fire and their continued safety as they continue to protect Philmont and our surrounding communities.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update: April 29th, 2022, 11:00 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at 55,978 acres and 54% contained. 521 personnel on scene.
Philmont acreage impacted by this fire is at 3,084 acres.
Fire crews increased containment yesterday. Air attacks continued until dark last night focused on the northwest side of the fire.
Extreme fire weather behavior today with low humidity and gusts at 60+ mph. Air attacks are grounded today. Winds will lessen going into the weekend.
Philmont staff continue to support spike camp operations.
The firefighter’s gratitude is immense for the staff, the facilities, and the incredible food that they are served.
We are grateful for all personnel on the fire and their continued safety as they continue to protect Philmont and our surrounding communities.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
During this time of financial restructuring, we are not permitted to accept donations from the following states: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update: April 28th, 2022, 12:00 PM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at 55,886 acres and 34% contained. 548 personnel on scene.
Firefighters continue work to increase containment. Active fire behavior will continue with red flag warnings for gusty winds and low relative humidity. Wind gusts today at 30-35mph and tomorrow at 55-60 mph. Winds are predicted to lessen into the weekend.
Since the 2018 Ute Park Fire, the ranch ramped up efforts to mitigate the impact of wildfires. Over 175,000 hours have been spent in fuel reduction work. Incident command personnel reported to Philmont management yesterday how surprised and impressed they were with the quality of work that was completed on the shaded fuel break. This reconfirms the validity of our work. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers that have contributed and thank you to those who have donated to this cause so that this work can continue with increased efforts.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
If you are from the following states we are sorry that we are unable to accept donations at this time: California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update: April 27th, 2022, 11:00 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at 55,172 acres and 33% contained. Much of the containment is on the south end of the fire.
Hot Shot and other fire crews are preparing for another wind event with red flag warnings tomorrow and Friday. Air attack resources continue to be on the scene.
More firefighters arrived at the spike camp last night at the Philmont Training Center and staff from across the ranch are supporting that operation including serving, packing lunches, cleaning shower houses, and washing dishes. The staff has been relentless in their support.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
To donate to the Fire Recovery and Mitigation Fund click below. 100% of your donation will go to Philmont:
If you are from the following states California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Virgin Islands or Wisconsin we are sorry that we are unable to accept donations at this time.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update: April 26th, 2022, 11:00 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at 54,021 acres and 18% contained. There has been no report of further loss of any Philmont structures.
Philmont personnel were able to survey areas within the burn zone and Olympia trail camp has survived. There has been loss to a significant amount of fencing and gates. Philmont continues to protect structures and the Carson Meadows cabin was wrapped yesterday with fire retardant material.
The precipitation yesterday was a significant aid in fighting the fire. Fire crews continue operations to contain further spread.
The Philmont staff has returned to work and continue to prepare for the summer season as scheduled. The spike camp at the Philmont Training Center continues to operate as a host for 150 firefighters and is preparing for additional personnel to arrive.
We are grateful for all those involved in fighting the fire and keeping Philmont and our surrounding communities safe.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update: April 25th, 2022, 9:00 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at 51,982 acres and 9% contained. There has been no report of further loss of any Philmont structures.
We received precipitation overnight and there is a chance it may continue throughout the morning. Fire crews continue operations. 150 firefighters arrived last night to the spike camp set up at the Philmont Training Center. The Philmont staff worked tirelessly to prepare for their arrival and the Philmont team is providing meals and support. Philmont and Cimarron Fire Departments, which is comprised of many of our full-time staff, continue to play a major role in defending Philmont and our surrounding communities.
Philmont has returned to a SET status and staff are returning to work to continue preparation for the summer season as scheduled.
We continue to be grateful for the supportive messages we have received and for those fighting the fire.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update April 24th, 2022, 3:00 PM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is currently estimated at 51,982 acres (Infrared Flight last night) and 0 % contained.
Fire crews are currently protecting Abreu and working to keep the fire south of Stonewall Pass. They are working to make sure the fire doesn’t encroach on Urraca Mesa or up the Rayado Canyon. Our Philmont dozer team as well as help from neighbors has been amazing. They have cut several miles of fire break in the South Country.
We are busy preparing for the spike camp today with 140-160 firefighters that will be arriving this afternoon and living on site for the next several days.
Future weather forecasts are looking favorable. We are grateful for all the supportive messages we have received. We are grateful to all those involved in protecting HOmE.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update: April 23rd, 2022, 4:00 PM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is currently estimated at 48,672 acres (Infrared Flight last night) and 0% contained.
The weather yesterday with the high winds gusting at 75 mph was extreme. Although today is still windy and Red Flag warnings remain in effect, it is a much better scenario than yesterday. The fire made its way North onto Philmont property and to the south side of Urraca Mesa. Rayado Ridge, Rayado, Carson Meadows and Abreu currently remain intact. We are very sad to report that the cabin at Zastrow was lost. No structures at base camp, including residences, have been damaged.
The Incident Commander remarked that yesterday was a historic 24 hours. More resources are on their way including equipment and personnel. Philmont staff worked relentlessly on defensible space yesterday and went above and beyond to protect HOmE including retrieval of all the axes inside the Zastrow cabin.
Philmont is working with Incident Command to set up a spike camp for 140-160 firefighting personnel. Philmont is still under evacuation except for personnel essential to fire mitigation operations or to support the spike camp.
For more information, please visit the links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update: April 22nd, 2022, 3:00 PM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is estimated at over 28,000 acres and 0% containment. The fire is spreading north closer to the Philmont property line. Rayado and Miami are under evacuation orders and Philmont and Cimarron are under Set (in a Ready, Set, Go scenario).
Philmont staff are working on defensible spaces and the Philmont Fire Department is actively involved with Incident Command. Due to air quality issues Philmont is evacuating seasonal staff this afternoon. We greatly appreciate the incident management team and all the firefighters for continuing to keep our community safe.
For more information links below:
Cooks Peak Fire Update: April 21st, 2022, 11:25 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is now estimated at 20,000 acres and 0% containment. The adjustment in acreage comes after an infrared flight was made over the fire late yesterday afternoon. This increase in acreage was not towards the Philmont property line. The Type 3 Incident Management Team currently managing the Cooks Peak Fire will transition to a Type 2 Incident Management Team this afternoon. This team will then take over full operations Friday, April 22 at 6:00 a.m.
The Philmont management team is working closely with Incident Command to monitor the situation. We greatly appreciate all the first responders, the incident management teams and the firefighters for continuing to keep our community safe.
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Cooks Peak Fire Update: April 20th, 2022, 11:00 AM MDT
The Cooks Peak Fire is currently burning on private land north of Ocate in Mora County 6 miles from Philmont Scout Ranch’s southern border. A Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team is managing the fire, which was first reported at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2022. The fire is estimated at 3,500 acres and is 0% contained. Infrared flights have been requested for more accurate acreage and mapping.
There are currently no participants at Philmont Scout Ranch. The Philmont management team is working closely with Incident Command to monitor the situation. We greatly appreciate our first responders for keeping our community safe.
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