EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The fire burning 12 miles north of Silver City, New Mexico, experienced noticeable growth over the weekend, remaining at 0 percent containment, fire officials said on Monday, June 16, in a news release.
Fire officials said the Trout Fire has now grown to 18,278 acres, expanding over the weekend, particularly along the west, north, and east flanks.
The fire started on Thursday, June 12, and the cause remains under investigation.
“Last night, crews actively patrolled and monitored the area, conducting firing operations to protect private inholdings and successfully holding established containment lines. Residents and local communities will notice an increase in incident traffic as additional personnel and resources arrive on scene to support ongoing suppression efforts and strengthen operational capacity,” read the news release.
Fire officials said that on Monday, firefighters will continue full suppression efforts, constructing direct handline along the fire’s edge, reinforcing dozer lines, and identifying natural barriers and roads that can serve as indirect control lines.
Aerial resources will assist with water and retardant drops when conditions allow. Crews will also build on the success of Sunday night’s firing operations, fire officials added.
“These strategic actions are essential to removing unburned fuels between containment lines and the main fire, reducing the fire’s potential for growth and helping to protect critical values at risk — including nearby communities and infrastructure,” read the news release.
A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday at the Grant County Business and Conference Center, 3031 Highway 180, in Silver City.
This meeting will be livestreamed on the Gila National Forest Facebook page. You can click on the link here.
A Facebook account is not necessary to join the livestream.
Evacuations are as follows, according to fire officials:
- GO (Level 3) – Zones 1, 2, 3, 5, 6; SET (Level 2) – Zone 4, 7, 8, 9. Additional evacuation areas will be identified as the situation evolves
- An evacuation shelter is available at the Grant County Convention Center (3031 US 180, Silver City). 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 (TFR) is in effect.
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