Editor’s note: Video is from 10 p.m. newscast on Saturday, June 21.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Trout Fire, burning in the Gila National Forest north of Silver City, showed little growth for the second straight day and remains at 19 percent containment, fire officials said.
The Trout Fire, burning 12 miles north of Silver City, has now charred 46,796 acres so far. That is up about 400 acres from the previous day.
The fire started on June 12 and has at times shown explosive growth but has slowed in recent days.
A total of 1,421 firefighters are on scene battling the blaze. The cause is still under investigation.
“Containment on the Trout Fire increased to 19 percent as of Saturday, reflecting the dedicated efforts of firefighters on the incident,” fire officials said.
Since arriving on scene, crews have constructed 62 miles of combined direct and indirect containment line, making significant progress toward securing a fire perimeter that spans nearly 100 miles, fire officials said.
Sunday, firefighters will take advantage of more favorable weather conditions to construct as much additional line as possible.
The Trout Fire is still actively burning on the southwestern flank including a 4-mile stretch between Black Peak and Signal Peak. Backing fire, a type of fire that moves against the wind or downslope, is occurring on the southern perimeter along a 2-mile section located in difficult terrain.
Aircraft will once again support firefighting efforts Sunday with water and retardant drops as weather permits. Work is underway to strengthen containment lines near dip sites, supporting safe and consistent access to water sources for aircraft aerial suppression operations, fire officials said.
Firefighters are actively utilizing direct suppression tactics to slow fire growth. By engaging the fire’s edge with hand crews, engines, and heavy equipment, the potential size of the burned area is reduced, and environmental impacts are minimized, fire officials said.
The protection of “special values at risk” also remains a priority on this incident, with special focus on private property, watershed infrastructure and the historic Big Juniper Tree, fire officials said.
Additionally, in the Trout Valley and Lake Roberts area, firefighters are adding depth to the fire line on the northern end of the Highway 35 corridor.
Here is a list of evacuations as of 9 p.m. Saturday night:
GO (Level 3) – Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12
SET (Level 2) – Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 14B, 16, 26
READY (Level 1) – Zones 14A, 15B, 20, 27
You can check out an interactive evacuation map by clicking here.
The Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter at the Grant County Convention Center, 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 St.
Financial donations are accepted by the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
Detailed smoke information can be found by clicking here.
You can find out about road closures by clicking here.
A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire so firefighters can do their jobs. Click here to learn more.
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