EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The fire burning 12 miles north of Silver City in the Gila National Forest remains at 38,682 acres with 0 percent containment. However, the personnel responding increased to 1,056, fire officials said on Wednesday evening, June 18, in a news release.
Fire officials said the Trout Fire started on June 12, and the cause is under investigation.
On Wednesday morning, shifting winds pushed the fire north towards Highway 15 and 35, testing the strategic firing suppression efforts over the last few days in the Lake Roberts area, fire officials said.
Fire officials said that by the afternoon, firefighters experienced increased activity along the southern side of the fire in the Signal Peak and Bear Canyon areas, with the fire pushing almost a mile south near Signal Peak.
Firefighters on the ground were supported by aerial resources using two Large Airtankers, six Type 1 helicopters, and one Type 2 helicopter, which performed multiple retardant drops, fire officials added.
Fire officials said that the overnight operations will consist of firefighters continuing to reinforce lines along the northwest, north, east, and southern sides of the fire.
The fire is holding within the containment lines along the Highway 15 and 35 corridors, and firefighters are continuing mop-up procedures, which involve extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines.
Additionally, resources are being bolstered along the southern side to address the full suppression actions needed as the fire progresses, fire officials said.
Evacuations as of 8 p.m. June 18 are as follows:
- GO (Level 3) – Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 26
- SET (Level 2) – Zones 27
- READY (Level 1) – Zones 14A, 14B, 16, 28, 29
- Interactive evacuation map
The Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter at the Grant County Convention Center (3031 U.S. 180). High Desert Humane Society will accommodate pets, and the rodeo grounds at the Southwest Horseman’s Association are open to receive livestock.
Fire officials said winds will continue coming from the southeast and southern directions. These winds are expected to bring in low-level moisture with few clouds.
Smoke is expected in new overnight locations that may not have been previously impacted. More information can be found here.
The fire has caused several road closures on Highways 35, 152, and 356.
On Tuesday, June 17, the Gila National Forest issued an updated closure order for the area.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are also in place, and a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect.
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