EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The cause of the Trout Fire has been ruled as lightning, and firefighters were able to increase its containment to 41 percent, the Southwest Area Complex Management Team said in an update on Wednesday morning, June 25.
The complex management team says the fire is still at 47,121 acres with 41 percent containment, and 1,400 personnel are still working on the fire.
The containment increased as the monsoonal season hit the area on Tuesday, June 24, and afternoon showers and thunderstorms developed within the fire area. By Tuesday mid-morning, the storm was tracking across the Black Range and areas to the north, the complex management team said.
“The storms brought localized heavy rainfall of .10 to 1.5 inches, flash flooding along Highway 35, and sporadic lightning, creating hazardous conditions on the fireline. Crews are adapting their tactics as conditions change,” the complex management team said.
Aerial operations conducted retardant drops on the fire, and support crews worked within the terrain near Black Peak and Signal Peak until the storm moved into the area.
“Crews will continue fireline repair work and backhaul operations throughout the day in the areas that have been identified as contained, and as weather permits. The forecasted rains are expected to help moderate fire behavior, resulting in smoldering and creeping fire behavior in heavier fuels. However, the monsoonal weather patterns will continue to bring a significant threat of flash flooding, particularly along Highway 35,” the complex management team said.
Residents are asked to stay safe during these ongoing weather conditions, especially as a heightened risk of flooding will persist through Thursday.
“Please remember that flash floods can develop quickly, creating sudden, life-threatening conditions,” the complex management team said.
A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team began making burned area surveys of the fire on Tuesday.
“BAER team assessments are rapid evaluations of post-fire conditions of the burned landscape to determine the level of risk from potential flooding and debris flow to values on National Forest System lands. If unacceptable risks are found the team recommends appropriate and effective emergency stabilization measures to reduce the risks to national forest lands and values. BAER emergency stabilization efforts are focused on the protection of human life and safety, property, and critical cultural and natural resources,” the Gila National Forest 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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