EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Trout Fire, burning in the Gila National Forest north of Silver City, showed no progression Monday morning, June 23, with a slight increase in containment, the Southwest Area Complex Management Team said in an update.
The complex management team says the fire has stayed at 46,769 acres as of Monday, with 22 percent containment and close to 1,500 personnel.
The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation, and residents are encouraged to maintain awareness of changing conditions this week as flood risks in the area are possible, according to the complex management team.
Crews continue to reinforce containment lines and extinguish lingering heat. Air and ground resources continue to suppress areas where the fire is active, especially on the western ridge between Signal Peak and Black Peak communication sites, the complex management team said.
Crews continue to secure the area around Highways 35 and 15. Aircraft crews are also slowing down the progression of the fire with retardant and water drops. Crews are watching for potential burning material rolling downslope along the ridgelines, which can lead to spot fires, especially in steep terrain, the complex management team said.
“Suppression repair operations are also beginning. This work is taking place in areas identified as contained and includes assessing and repairing firelines, mitigating erosion, chipping, and removing debris. Water bars and other reconstructive methods have been utilized in some inactive areas of the fire area to mitigate runoff and reduce erosion in anticipation of predicted precipitation,” the complex management team said.
Here is a list of evacuations as of 9 p.m. Saturday, June 21:
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 the 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. Click here to learn more.
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