The largest fire in the history of New Mexico is far from being contained as officials continue to prepare for the worst-case scenario, KOB 4 reported.
The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire has burned nearly 300,000 acres in the northern part of the state, surpassing the Whitewater Baldy Fire from 10 years ago, according to KOB 4. The fire is just 26% contained as firefighters focus on keeping the fire from jumping across Highway 518.
“I think this has been a learning process for a lot of us,” said San Miguel County manager Joy Ansley. “We’re still in response mode, and we’re trying to migrate to recovery mode the best way we know how, but we have a lot of support from the state and federal government, so we’re doing the best we can.”
According to KOB 4, the San Miguel Sheriff’s Office confirmed nearly 350 homes have been destroyed throughout San Miguel and Mora counties. Another 275 other buildings were also destroyed. Fire officials have outlined two more containment lines in case the fire continues to move toward Taos, KOB 4 reported.
Local and state officials are predicting it could take years to fully recover from this fire, but are hoping to convince residents to rebuild in the area.