EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — New Mexico Highway 15 is closed to public traffic after a wildfire grew to 300 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service on Thursday, June 12.
According to the news release by the Forest Service, the Trout Fire was originally estimated at 26 acres and located near Forest Road 876, north of the Sheep Corral area in the Gila National Forest.
The fire has now grown eastward, crossing over New Mexico Highway 15, and has grown to an estimated 300 acres.
Additionally, the Forest Service reported another 8.5-acre wildfire, the Meadow Fire, near the Meadow Creek area, roughly 15 miles north of Silver City. An engine crew established a fireline, and crews are working to contain the fire.
As of result of the growing Trout Fire, Highway 15 and 35 intersection south of the Ben Lilly Memorial has been closed to public traffic, the Forest Service said.
The Forest Service said the cause of the fires is under investigation.
The public is being asked to stay away from the fire area for their safety due to “heavy firefighter traffic, the presence of uncontained wildfires and the dry, volatile conditions,” the Forest Service said.
The Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Command Team is taking command of the Trout Fire and will transition into a Type 2 incident command organization at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 13, according to the Forest Service.
Responding resources to the Trout Fire include the Gila Hotshots, two Type 6 engine crews, one Type 3 engine crew, two 10-person fire suppression modules with support from two single-engine air tankers, one Type 1 and one Type 3 helicopter, and fixed wing air attack, the Forest Service said.
Additionally, the Forest Service said three more hotshot crews and two dozers have been ordered.
According to the Forest Service, an emergency alert was sent out by the Grant County Office of Emergency Management, placing most of the Mimbres Valley in “set” mode. The Mimbres valley is from the Highway 15 and 35 intersection to the Wilderness Ranger District Office.
Visitors are also advised to leave recreation sites along Highway 35, including Lake Roberts Recreation Area, Mesa Campground, Upper End Campground, Sapillo Campground trailheads, and dispersed campsites, the Forest Service said.
Smoke is visible from Silver City, Highway 15, and the Mimbres Valley. And smoke can be expected to settle into low-lying areas, especially during overnight and early morning hours, the Forest Service said.
The Forest Service said smoke monitors have been set up at Lake Roberts and the Wilderness District Office. Real-time smoke information can be seen at Fire.AirNow.gov.
In addition, the Gila National Forest has put in a stage 2 fire restrictions in effect.
To learn more about fire restriction information, you can visit its website.
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