EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The fire burning 12 miles north of Silver City, New Mexico, is now at 44,570 acres with 11 percent containment, fire officials announced on Friday, June 20.
Fire officials said the Trout Fire started on June 12, and the cause is under investigation.
Fire officials said firefighters continue working day and night to minimize fire spread, reaching its first percentage of containment. A total of 1,306 are currently at the scene battling the fire.
Along the north end of the fire, firefighters continue to protect structures and extinguish areas retaining heat, fire officials said.
Fire officials said that along the eastern side of the fire, crews worked throughout the night to aid in the restoration of power and to address hazard trees and smoldering areas. On the southeastern side, crews performed a direct attack to the west of Highway 35.
Along the south side of the Trout fire, heavy equipment and hand tools were used overnight to protect values at risk and reinforce lines, fire officials added.
Fire officials said that during daytime operations, crews will continue the work performed throughout the night.
Along the north side of the fire, firefighters will focus on structure protection. On the east, firefighters will support PNM in line restoration work to bring power back to communities along Highway 35 north of the Wilderness Ranger District Office, fire officials said.
Fire officials said that on the southern side of the fire, firefighters are actively engaged in firefighting suppression activities. The southwest side of the fire continues to show the potential for movement. Aviation will continue to aid firefighters on the ground.
Evacuations as of noon, June 20, are as follows:
- GO (Level 3) – Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 26
- SET (Level 2) – Zones 14B, 16, 27
- READY (Level 1) – Zones 14A, 15B, 28, 29
- Interactive evacuation map
The Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter at the Grant County Convention Center (3031 U.S. 180). High Desert Humane Society will accommodate pets, and the rodeo grounds at the Southwest Horseman’s Association are open to receive livestock.
Fire officials said 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 Street. Financial donations are accepted by the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
In addition, the weather is expected to be like Thursday, June 19, with sunny skies in the morning and becoming partly cloudy by the afternoon. Isolated afternoon buildups from the south are possible. Wind gusts are anticipated to be up to 20 mph.
You can find information on road closures here.
The Gila National Forest issued a closure order for the area.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are also in place, and a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect.
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