EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Trout Fire, burning in the Gila National Forest north of Silver City, is now 19 percent contained, according to the incident management team on Saturday night, June 21.
The fire, which is burning 12 miles north of Silver City, has not grown on Saturday and remains at 46,359 acres, fire officials said.
“Crews continue full suppression operations across the Trout Fire, working diligently to strengthen control lines, protect values at risk and respond to active fire behavior. Firefighters on the southwestern flank adapted to increased fire behavior early on Saturday as fire crossed over the ridge approximately one mile southeast of Signal Peak. Aircraft quickly responded with water and retardant drops to slow the fire’s movement,” fire officials said in their update.
While good news was reported Saturday night, fire officials say the fire remains an active wildfire and unstable weather patterns are expected early next week.
Evacuations and road closures remain in place to protect public safety and support uninterrupted access for ongoing firefighting efforts, fire officials said.
Overnight, air and ground resources will continue to work to limit the spreading of the fire and to protect resources, such as watersheds, private holdings and infrastructure.
“Tonight, firefighters plan to strengthen containment lines and identify opportunities for direct attack. To the north, crews will continue addressing areas that retain heat around structures and securing the fire perimeter. To the south, dozer lines and fire breaks will be reinforced. Firefighter presence has increased along the southeastern portion of the fire where the most active fire behavior is being observed,” fire officials said.
As of 9 p.m. Saturday, evacuations are as follows:
GO (Level 3) – Zones 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 26
SET (Level 2) – Zones 8, 9, 14B, 16, 27
READY (Level 1) – Zones 14A, 15B, 20, 28, 29
You can view an interactive evacuation map by clicking here.
The Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter at the Grant County Convention Center at 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 Street in Silver City.
Financial donations are accepted by the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
A change in weather is forecasted for Monday. The fire area will experience reduced winds and increased humidity overnight. Sunday will be dry with slightly lighter winds from the southwest, gusting up to 25mph. Cooler temperatures and thunderstorms are expected for the first half of the week.
Local communities must anticipate flooding in the coming days, fire officials said.
Detailed smoke information can be found by clicking here.
You can find out about road closures by clicking here.
You can find out about the closure order for the Gila National Forest by clicking here.
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place. Click here to learn more.
A temporary flight restriction is also in place to allow firefighers to do their jobs.
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