State tests alarm sirens in fire-damaged county due to flash flood danger • Source: New Mexico

State emergency officials are beginning weekly tests of alarm sirens in Mora County to warn of dangerous flash flooding in the scar of the largest wildfire in New Mexico history.

The 534-square-mile Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon fire began in April 2022, but still poses a serious threat to life and property two years after it was extinguished. The fire burned with such intensity in some areas that the soil in some areas has become water-repellent and debris falls more easily from mountain slopes due to loss of vegetation.

According to the National Weather Service, there have been nearly 80 preliminary reports of flash floods and mudslides in the burn scar since June 2022, including two floods that killed four people in July 2022.

This week, meteorologists again warned of flash flooding in the burn scar, saying that rainfall of between 1.3 and 4.4 centimeters was creating a “life-threatening situation.” Meteorologists warned that debris avalanches could be expected across roads and flash flooding could occur in ditches, streams and rivers.

NWS meteorologist Randall Hergert said Monday evening that “fortunately” there had been no reports of flash flooding in the burn scar as of 6 p.m., although there had been moderate to heavy rainfall in the area.

But the risks could persist for years, which is why the state emergency department has installed alarm sirens in the areas with the highest risk.

At a town hall meeting in early May, residents of the mountainous areas of the burn scar told Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham they were concerned the sirens were not working because they had experienced heavy rains without hearing them.

“Every single flood we’ve had, we’ve needed these sirens to warn people. They never went off,” said Joshua Alcon, a resident of Cleveland, NM. “I mean, that’s ridiculous.”

In response, the governor said she would task the state’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management with ensuring the sirens are functional and will go off when needed. Ali Rye, deputy secretary of the department, conducted a test of the sirens during the meeting, which she said was successful.

New Mexico fire survivors raise concerns about smoke damage compensation

And on Monday, the agency announced it would begin weekly tests of sirens in Mora County, beginning every Wednesday at noon and lasting less than a minute, according to an agency spokesman.

“These weekly tests ensure the functionality of the system and allow DHSEM to correct any problems before an emergency occurs,” said spokeswoman Danielle Silva.

The sirens will be placed on county property and maintained by the state. The sirens will be activated by local officials, Silva said.

“In the event of severe weather such as flooding, local authorities can warn residents with sirens and give them timely self-reliance measures,” Silva said.

The department also gave people tips if they hear the sirens outside of the test period, including staying indoors, seeking higher ground and avoiding travel if possible. They also warned people not to enter flooded areas by car or on foot.

Below is a map of locations where flash flooding has been reported in the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire area.