April 13, 2022 
The Big Hole Fire, located on state and private land in the Belen Bosque in Valencia County, is now 40% contained and estimated at 904 acres. Extremely dry weather and strong winds kept firefighting aircraft grounded today preventing water drops over the fire area. Firefighters with the Forestry Division, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and USFS are working to strengthen containment lines and remove hazardous trees damaged in the fire. Smoke may continue to be seen as fire activity increases during the warmer parts of the day.
Evacuations: All evacuation orders and recommendations have been lifted and the Belen Recreation Center shelter has been closed.
Weather: The relative humidity has dropped to 4% with wind gusts of up to 22 mph.
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: 904
Ownership(s): State and private
Structures Threatened: Yes
Structures Burned: Yes
Evacuations: No
Wendy Mason
Wildfire Prevention & Communications Coordinator
Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Dept. (EMNRD)
Forestry Division
wendy.mason@state.nm.us
NM Fire Info 
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