Strong winds hinder firefighting efforts, updated evacuation orders
Afternoon update on 22.04.2022
Acres: 28,217 acres – Infrared Flight Last Night Location: North of Ocate NM, approximately 46 miles north of Las Vegas, NM Restriction: 0% Start Date: Sunday, April 17, 2022 Reason: Unknown, under investigation Fuels: ponderosis pine, oak brush and grass
Evacuations: At approximately 14:00 on April 22, 2022, the Colfax County Sheriff’s Department issued GO notices to the Miami community and the Filmont Scout Ranch.
The current evacuation status for Mora and Colfax counties is:
Colfax County – GO – Miami, Sweetwater, Rayado and Sunside – evacuate now! KIT – Cimarron. Residents of Colfax County must now register for Code Red. This system notifies residents of the state of the evacuation. For notifications, register on the Colfax County website:
Mora County – GO: east of County Road 009 and north of NM Highway 120. Finished: west of County Road 009 and north of Highway 120. These changes are due to the movement of fire at night and projected weather and extreme behavior in case of fire, which are expected today.
Evacuation centers have been established at Old Memorial Middle School, 947 Old National Rd, Las Vegas; Colfax County Fairgrounds, 16 Airport Road, Springer; and the Raton Convention Center, 901 S. 3rd St, Raton. The Mora and Colfax Sheriff’s Offices use Ready! Kit! I’m leaving! evacuation status program that provides evacuation information and evacuation preparation: Ready !: Be prepared! for potential evacuations. Set !: Be tuned! for evacuation at the moment of notice Go !: Evacuate now. Leave now. The Cooks Peak fire is moving fast, driven by strong winds. The evacuation status may change quickly and there may not be enough time to prepare for the evacuation.
Livestock: Residents can evacuate livestock to the fairgrounds of Colfax County. If the people of Mora need a place for horses, Taos Rodeo Grounds is available. Contact: Livestock Inspector Ruben Batza 505-770-1490.
Fire Information: A new public telephone line has been created to respond to Cooks Peak fire calls. Please contact 505-357-0683 between 8:00 and 20:00
Fire update: Extreme fire behavior caused by gusty winds pushed the fire north, east and west, causing new evacuation orders. Additional fire engines and equipment are ordered.
Weather: A red flag warning is issued from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Today will be a critical fire day with strong winds. The wind is expected to reach gusts of up to 65 miles per hour and be intermittent, raising concerns for firefighters and public safety.
Highway Closure: Cooks Peak Fire closed County Road 009 and part of NM120, from millipost 14-26 and at the intersection of Highways 442 and 120. Motorists are advised to delay travel or look for alternative routes. Visit for more information.
Smoke: Smoke from the Kukes Peak Fire will continue to affect surrounding communities, including Ocate, Rayado, Philmont Scout Ranch headquarters, Cimarron and surrounding communities in Mora and Colfax counties. Be careful, as smoke can affect I-25 when winds increase. An interactive smoke map can be found allowing you to zoom in on your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
More information:
Inciweb:
New Mexico Fire Department Information:
NEW telephone line: 505-357-0683; Opening hours: 8 am – 8 pm
Email: 2022.cookspeak@firenet.gov
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