EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — For the third straight day, fire officials report that the Trout Fire outside of Silver City, New Mexico, remains at 83 percent containment, they said in an update issued on Tuesday, July 1.
Fire officials, however, report “increased fire” activity along the southwest portion of the perimeter, south of Signal Peak.
The fire has burned 47,294 acres and was started by lightning back on June 12.
A total of 316 firefighters remain on scene, battling the blaze, which is burning 12 miles north of Silver City in the Gila National Forest.
On Monday, ground crews, with support of a Type 1 helicopter conducting water drops, swiftly engaged in suppression actions in the Signal Peak area, fire officials said. The fire activity remained inside existing retardant lines, fire officials said.
Additional crews will be assigned to the area with increased fire activity. If weather conditions permit on Tuesday, aircraft will support firefighters on the ground.
Throughout the fire area, crews are engaged in repairing impacts from fire suppression efforts, such as chipping slash, assessing and removing hazard trees, and identifying road corridor improvements. Heavy equipment is being used to pull soil back over dozer lines while crews scatter debris over the disturbed areas to discourage their future use as roads, fire officials said.
Cooler temperatures are forecast for Tuesday, with highs in the upper 70s. Widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms are also anticipated later this afternoon across the fire area.
Motorists in the area are urged to stay vigilant and be cautious in the area as there is still lots of activity.
Local air quality ratings are good, fire officials said. For real-time smoke conditions, you can click here.
You can learn more about road closures in the area by clicking here.
You can learn more about closures and alerts in the Gila National Forest by clicking here.
You can learn more about Stage 2 fire restrictions by clicking here.
You can learn about temporary flight restrictions here.
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