EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Trout Fire, burning north of Silver City, New Mexico, showed a slight increase in containment levels on Thursday, July 3, fire officials reported on Friday in an update.
The fire has burned 47,294 acres and is now 85 percent contained, up from 83 percent where it was for nearly a week.
There are 263 firefighters still on the scene battling the blaze, which started on June 12. The fire was determined to be caused by lightning.
Visitors are encouraged to review the current forest closure before traveling in the area and are asked to maintain heightened awareness this weekend. Firefighters, utility vehicles, heavy machinery, and support personnel continue working along roadways.
Thursday, on the north end of the fire area, crews completed brush removal in the Lake Roberts area. North of Signal Peak Road, personnel completed fireline repair work.
Friday’s focus remains on debris management along roadways and near infrastructure, including removal of hazard trees. Firefighters also remain actively engaged in suppression activities on the western and southern perimeter of the fire, checking for and extinguishing heat sources and smoldering fuels, fire officials said.
This ongoing suppression work is essential to prevent rekindling and to reinforce the fire perimeter, especially as warmer weather returns to the region this weekend, fire officials said.
As the weekend progresses, road crews are preparing to begin blading and repairing roads and access routes throughout the fire area. This work includes grading uneven surfaces, filling washouts, repairing culverts, and removing any remaining debris left behind by firefighting activities and recent rainfall. These repairs are critical for restoring safe access, and they help prevent long-term erosion and road damage, fire officials said.
Dry, breezy conditions are moving into the region Friday. Temperatures will reach the low 80s and gradually climb into the upper 80s over the weekend.
Here are some links for information about the Trout Fire:
Local air quality ratings are good, fire officials said. Click here for real-time smoke conditions.
Road closures click here.
Gila National Forest closures and alerts click here.
Stage 2 fire restrictions click here.
Temporary flight restriction click here.
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