EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Trout Fire, burning north of Silver City, is now at 93 percent containment, fire officials said Monday afternoon, July 7.
The Trout Fire, located about 12 miles north of Silver City, has charred 47,294 acres. It started on June 12 and was caused by lightninng.
About 170 firefighters remain on scene, battling the Trout Fire.
Another fire, the Panther Fire, is burning about 10 miles west of Lake Roberts. The Panther Fire is 80 acres and 0 percent contained. It started on July 2 and was also caused by lightning.
Sixty-one firefighters are on scene at the Panther Fire.
Fire officials report that hotshot crews “made steady progress” constructing direct containment line around the Panther Fire on Sunday. Crews were assisted by helicopters that pulled water from Lake Roberts for bucket drops. Firefighters will continue to secure the line on Monday.
Firefighters will continue to secure the containment line Monday, utilizing air resources as needed.
As for the Trout Fire, repair work continued on the Trout Fire Sunday. Drones were used to inspect inaccessible portions of the south side of the fireline and no heat was detected.
Monday, crews will continue to check the southwest part of the fireline and start to remove signs and flagging.
The weather is expected to include light winds and scattered thunderstorms in the fire area Monday. Some of those thunderstorms could be slow-moving and could have the potential to create locally heavy rainfall, fire officials said.
Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 80s.
As a result of recent rain and cooler temperaturs, the Gila National Forest has rescinded fire restrictions as of 8 a.m. Monday, July 7.
Although wildfire risk is reduced, the fire danger rating for the forest remains “very high,” according to the national forest.
Visitors are encouraged to be careful with cigarettes and avoid building campfires if weather
conditions are dry, hot, or windy, as well as to avoid parking hot vehicles over tall vegetation,
and prevent chains dragging behind vehicles.
Remember that it is illegal to leave a campfire unattended. If you decide to have a campfire, be
sure to fully extinguish it before leaving. Use plenty of water to drown the coals. Stir the water
and coals together and use the back of your hand to feel the ash to be sure all heat sources have
been extinguished. For tips on how to properly extinguish your campfire, click here.
Motorists, residents and visitors are urged to travel cautiously in the fire area and around incident personnel.
Local air quality ratings are good, fire officials said. For real-time smoke conditions, click here.
For information on Gila National Forest closures and alerts, click here.
For information on a temporary flight restriction over the fire area, click here.
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