EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Firefighters working on the Trout Fire, which is burning in the Gila National Forest north of Silver City, have successfully increased the fire’s containment to 33 percent on Tuesday, June 24, the Southwest Area Complex Management Team said in an update.
The complex management team says the fire has increased slightly to 47,100 acres as of Tuesday, with 33 percent containment and 1,400 personnel working on the fire.
The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation, and residents are encouraged to stay alert as a heightened risk of flooding is expected in burned areas.
“Flash floods can develop quickly, sending water, mud, and debris downslope and creating hazardous conditions. Even moderate rainfall on burned terrain can lead to sudden and dangerous flooding. The current weather system is forecasted to bring one-half inch to 1.5 inches of precipitation to the region today through Thursday,” the complex management team said.
Helicopters were able to drop water along the fire’s western flank on Monday, which allowed crews to construct a line and implement other suppression tactics closer to the fire’s edge.
“In areas where the fire is considered contained, firefighters are focused on suppression repair. This work focuses on mitigating disturbances to the landscape caused by firefighting activities and includes building waterbars to improve drainage and mulching to reduce the potential for erosion from heavy equipment,” the complex management team said.
Here is a list of evacuations as of 9 p.m. Saturday, June 21:
GO (Level 3) – Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12
SET (Level 2) – Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 14B, 16, 26
READY (Level 1) – Zones 14A, 15B, 20, 27
You can check out an interactive evacuation map by clicking here.
The Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter at the Grant County Convention Center, 3031 U.S. Highway 180 in Silver City.
High Desert Humane Society will accommodate pets, and the rodeo grounds at the Southwest Horseman’s Association are open to receive livestock.
Material donations can only be accepted by the Salvation Army. Donations may be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Silver City Recreation Center, 1016 N. Silver St.
Financial donations are accepted by the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
Detailed smoke information can be found by clicking here.
You can find out about road closures by clicking here.
A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire. Click here to learn more.
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