EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Trout Fire, burning outside of Silver City, is experiencing rapid growth, according to the fire incident command team in an update issued on Sunday morning, June 15.
The Trout Fire is now estimated to be 12,330 acres and remains at 0 percent containment, fire officials said.
The fire is burning about 12 miles north of Silver City in the Gila National Forest. It started on Thursday, June 12. The cause remains under investigation.
The updated acreage totals reflect the latest infrared flight data and could change as more accurate mapping becomes available, fire officials said.
A combination of dry fuels, high temperatures, low humidity and windy afternoon conditions remain a challenge in fighting this fire, increasing the potential for rapid fire growth, fire officials said.
There are 552 fire personnel on the scene battling the blaze as of Sunday morning, fire officials said.
Fire activity increased “significantly on Saturday,” as the fire advanced east toward the New Mexico Highway 35 corridor.
“Firefighters are actively engaged in around-the-clock suppression efforts, with both day and night operations underway to take advantage of every opportunity to slow the fire’s progression and strengthen containment lines,” fire officials said.
Ground and aerial resources were used in suppression efforts Saturday and Saturday night, constructing handlines, reinforcing containment lines, and conducting overnight firing operations to protect private property and provide for public safety, fire officials said.
Helicopters carried out targeted water drops to slow the fire’s progression throughout Saturday afternoon, while firefighters on the ground identified “strategic holding features” and constructed containment lines, fire officials said.
Sunday, crews will build on progress made during Saturday night’s operations.
Firefighters will use direct tactics when it’s safe and will identify existing roads and old containment lines within the Skates Fire scar that can be used as additional holding features.
These containment strategies will help stop the fire’s forward movement, protect
“critical infrastructure and natural resources,” and create safer conditions for firefighters and nearby communities, fire officials said.
Additionally, structure protection crews are actively installing hose lines and implementing structure protection measures within communities in the area affected by the fire.
According to Grant County, residents in the Sapillo and Lake Roberts communities were ordered to evacuate on Saturday.
Residents in the Gattons Park, Camp Thunderbird and Bear Canyon communities were also ordered to evacuate, according to Grant County.
Additional evacuation areas will be identified as the situation evolves. An evacuation shelter is available at the Convention Center in Silver City, 3031 Highway 180 East.
High Desert Humane Society will accommodate pets and the rodeo grounds at the Southwest Horseman’s Association are open to receive livestock.
The Gila National Forest has issued a closure order for the area.
Stage 2 Fire restrictions are also in place and a temporary flight restriction is in place to allow firefighters to do their work.
For more information on fire restrictions, click here. For more information about the temporary flight restriction, click here.
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