April 12, 2022 
The Big Hole Fire, located on state and private land in Belen, Valencia County, is now estimated at 900 acres and 0% contained. Evacuations have been lifted and are currently only voluntary. One residence and 18 outbuildings (sheds, barns) burned in the fire. Approximately 90 acres of the Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area (WWCA) land area is also impacted. Firefighters will continue to secure a line around the fire and address hot spots tonight. The cause remains under investigation.
Weather: Wind gusts reached up to 43 miles per hour today with relative humidity at 16%. Red Flag conditions are expected again tomorrow (04/13).
Individuals sensitive to wildfire smoke should take precautions and use the New Mexico Department of Health 5-3-1 Visibility Method to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Learn more at
https://nmtracking.org/environment/air/FireAndSmoke.html.
Start Date & Time: 04/11/2022 1330
Start Location: Belen Bosque North of River Road
Latitude: 34.6648
Longitude: -106.7469
Cause of Fire: Under investigation Area Vegetation: Bosque
Estimated Acres Burned: 900
Ownership(s): State and private
Structures Threatened: Yes
Structures Burned: Yes
Evacuations: Lifted, voluntary
Wendy Mason
Wildfire Prevention & Communications Coordinator
Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Dept. (EMNRD)
Forestry Division
wendy.mason@state.nm.us
NM Fire Info 
Comments are closed.