Trout Fire growth slows some as more people join firefight

SILVER CITY, N.M. — Trout Fire managers are seeing slower growth in acreage as more people have joined the firefight near Silver City.

According to an update Tuesday, June 24, the Trout Fire has burned an estimated 47,100 acres in the Gila National Forest with containment up to 33%. On Tuesday, it was 46,796 acres with 22% containment and 44,570 acres with 11% containment Friday. Fire managers reported 43,547 acres in size Thursday; 38,682 acres Wednesday; 24,706 acres Tuesday and around 18,000 acres Monday, June 16.

Smoke kept the fire from moving quickly Thursday. As they moved into Friday, firefighters “actively engaged” in suppression efforts on the southern side.

As a result, more people are working the Trout Fire than ever Monday, June 23, 1,425 people are working on the fire Monday, compared to 1,306 people Friday; 1,056 people Thursday and 875 people Wednesday. At least 46 people were brought over from the nearby Buck Fire that has calmed in recent days. Air efforts will support crews on the ground.

MORE: Buck Fire near Silver City reaches 71% containment 

Rain may also help but the National Weather Service issued flood warnings for the area due to the likely flood risk to come.

Crews warn conditions can change in a split second. They advise people living nearby to pay close attention to their evacuation status. The Gila National Forest has the latest evacuation info here and the latest details on their social media page. Nearly 2,500 people have evacuated so far.

MORE: Thousands evacuated as Trout Fire grows in Gila National Forest 

A shelter is open at the Grant County Convention Center in Silver City. The American Red Cross is there, providing water, food and anything else evacuees may need. There is also a shelter at the Cobre High School in Bayard. The High Desert Humane Society will accommodate pets and the Southwest Horseman’s Association will receive livestock.

The Salvation Army is accepting donations for evacuees, click here for more information. They ask you do not bring donations to incident command posts or fire camps.

Here is what they need and will accept at the Silver City Recreation Center:

Agencies, like the U.S. Forest Service and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, will provide updates during a community meeting Friday evening at the Grant County Conference Center.

The fire began June 12. On Tuesday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an emergency declaration as the fire continued to spread.