It has been one week since the Trout Fire was reported four miles southeast of Gila, New Mexico with the U.S. Forest Service noting it is 11% contained.
That latest figure cited by the National Interagency Fire Center now reports the blaze has grown to a staggering 44,569 acres.
“Yesterday’s gusty winds have diminished. Light winds are expected today, shifting south-southwest by this evening,” the U.S. Forest Service outlook said. “Relative humidity remains low, ranging from 6-9%, and fuels continue to be extremely dry. Looking ahead, there is an increasing chance of thunderstorm development in the coming days, which may bring erratic winds and lightning.”
The most recent evacuation orders from five hours ago have included Lake Roberts, Mimbres, San Lorenzo, Santa Rita Mine, Thunderbird, Lampbright, Sapillo Creek, Bear Dam, Gila Cliff Dwellings, Bear Canyon, Cherry Creek Ranch, Indian Springs Ranch and Cooney Place.
The total personnel enlisted to contain the fire has also grown to 1,306 firefighters.
The report by the U.S. Forest Service also confirmed crews are actively scouting for “control features to help limit fire movement” toward the Mimbres Valley. With increased fire activity, additional resources continue to arrive to help with suppression efforts.
Currently, crews continue to hold and secure a completed line against the main fire. Plans are also underway to prepare HWY 15 for potential burnout operations on the northwest portion of the fire.
Crews are also preparing to “implement defensive burning operations as needed and continue to prepare work and structure protection near Trout Valley and Lake Roberts,” the forest service said.
A busy year for forest fires
While air quality in the Borderland has been rated 47, or good, by IQAir as of this morning, New Mexico has seen a busy fire season thus far.
The New Mexico Fire Dashboard reports four new fires have started in the last 24 hours burning 83 acres, with 13 starting within the last 14 days impacting 102,000 acres.
There have only been three large fires burning 102,000 acres, while 2025 has already seen 567 fires total 138,000 acres. An estimated 64% of the blazes this year have been attributed to human causes.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Here’s the latest as the Trout Fire continues to burn in Gila, New Mexico
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
