EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Fire officials continue to report steady progress in the fight against the Trout Fire burning north of Silver City, New Mexico, in the Gila National Forest.
The incident command team reports that the fire, which has burned 47,294 acres, is now 89 percent contained as of Saturday morning, July 5, up from 85 percent on Friday.
The progress is being made “thanks to the ongoing work of incident personnel,” fire command team said Saturday.
A total of 228 firefighters remain on scene battling the fire, which was started on June 12 and was caused by lightning.
Fire officials remind the public that a forest area closure remains in effect as firefighters, utility vehicles, heavy machinery and support personnel work and travel along roadways surrounding the fire area.
“The safety of firefighters, support personnel, and the public remains our top priority, so visitors are asked to remain cautious if they travel near the fire perimeter,” fire officials said.
Saturday, a hotshot crew will continue to work the uncontained edge of the fire perimeter. Helicopters will continue to supply 75-gallon sacks of water to firefighters working to secure the western fireline, fire officials said.
Firefighters tap into this water supply to fill 5-gallon bladder bags that they carry on their backs. This water is used to extinguish any heat along the fireline, fire officials said.
To access these areas, firefighters are shuttled by utility vehicles as far as possible, then hike another 2 miles.
Crews will also clear trees that have fallen on Forest Service roads that are interior to the fire perimeter and repair fences. Suppression repair work continues on dozer lines and roads south of the fire. These repairs are critical for restoring safe access, and they help prevent long-term erosion and road damage, fire officials said.
Friday, the Gila National Forest responded to the Panther Fire burning in the Gila Wilderness approximately 7 miles west of Wild Horse Mesa. Crews utilized rappellers and helicopter bucket drops to fight the fire, which was estimated at 30 acres.
The Gila Las Cruces Type 3 Incident Management Team will assume command of the Panther
Fire Saturday.
Warmer and dryer conditions are expected Saturday. Temperatures will reach the upper 80s with humidity in the teens and lighter winds than Friday.
The public is reminded to remain vigilant and travel cautiously in the fire area and to be aware of incident personnel.
Local air quality ratings are good. For real-time smoke conditions, click here.
For road closure information, click here.
For information on Gila National Forest closures and alerts, click here.
For information on Stage 2 fire restrictions, click here.
Temporary flight restrictions over the fire, click here.
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