EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The fire incident command team continues to report “steady progress” in the fight against the Trout Fire, burning north of Silver City, New Mexico, in the Gila National Forest.
The fire has charred 47,282 acres and is at 71 percent containment, fire officials reported on Saturday morning, June 28.
A total of 760 firefighters remain on the scene of the fire.
The fire, which is burning 12 miles north of Silver City, started on June 12 and was caused by lightning.
Firefighters continue to increase containment, conduct mop-up, secure containment lines and extinguish hotspots along the perimeter, fire officials said.
Residents should be aware that isolated flare-ups inside the fire’s perimeter can still occur as unburned fuel pockets ignite. This minimal fire activity can produce visible smoke and ash in the air; however, it does not threaten containment lines.
A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has begun conducting assessments of the Trout Fire burn area. This team works to evaluate the level of post-fire risk including the potential for flooding and debris flows that could impact the Gila National Forest.
As containment increases on the Trout Fire, personnel are focusing on suppression repair and post-fire operations. Crews are actively engaged in chipping operations, removing snags and cutting logs along county roads and state highways to reduce fuels and restore safe access routes.
Bucking or cutting logs into smaller sections and scattering slash allows this material to
dry and break down faster, helping limit material for unwanted wood-boring insects, fire officials said.
Heavy equipment operators are also repairing dozer lines to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and support long-term recovery. Backhauling equipment and supplies from the fire area is ongoing.
Additionally, demobilization of crews and equipment is underway, allowing for “critical resource realignment” and ensuring a smooth transition as a new incident management team prepares to assume command of the Trout Fire next week, fire officials said.
All evacuation orders for the Trout Fire were lifted on Thursday, June 26. Residents should remain alert and stay informed as flash flooding and debris flows may still pose a risk in the area if storms occur.
The Trout Fire saw multiple rounds of scattered showers on Friday. Isolated showers can still move across the region late in the day Saturday with temperatures in the mid-80s and light wind.
Detailed smoke information can be found by clicking here.
To learn more about different conditions, closures, and other updates:
Road closures click here.
Gila National Forest closures and alerts click here:
Stage 2 Fire restrictions click here.
Temporary flight restriction (TFR) click here.
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