Big Hole Fire – Valencia County, April 15, 2022

The Big Hole Fire, located on state and private land in the Belen Bosque in Valencia County, is now 60% contained and estimated at 890 acres. Fire activity is minimal with smoldering and some active heat in heavier interior fuels (trees/logs). Crews will continue to mop up hot spots and remove trees that pose a hazard to the public. Crews will remain on the scene through the weekend. Pilgrims heading to Tome Hill will see advisories to avoid the fire area via electronic signs and bulletin boards through Sunday.

• The Type 3 team assigned to the fire will be transitioning operations back to the NM Forestry Division on Saturday 04/16
• 1 home and 18 outbuildings were destroyed.
• There are no reports of injuries or fatalities for the Big Hole Fire.
• 77 personnel remain on the fire

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: 890

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