Two active wildfires in southwest New Mexico have burnt a combined total of more than 76,000 acres of land as of Tuesday morning.
The Trout fire, located north of Silver City, erupted on June 12, according to New Mexico Fire Information.
Meanwhile, the Buck Fire was first reported on June 11 and is burning southeast of Aragon, in Catron County.
What To Know
According to a map from Watch Duty — a non-profit, non-governmental organization run by volunteers — the Buck fire has burnt more than 58,000 acres of land, and is currently 15 percent contained.
The Trout fire, located in Grant County, has scorched approximately 18,300 acres with zero percent containment, according to the map.
In a Monday update on the Buck fire, officials said that gusty, unpredictable winds had fueled heightened fire activity and expansion of the blaze. It added that hot and dry conditions are expected to persist for the next several days.
In an update on the Trout Fire, New Mexico Fire Information said the blaze’s perimeter experienced “noticeable growth” over the weekend along its western, northern and eastern flanks.
It added that 625 personnel were working to mitigate the blaze’s impacts, and that an evacuation shelter was available at the Grant County Convention Center.
A red flag alert has also been issued for western New Mexico on Tuesday by the National Weather Service (NWS), with forecasters warning of “critical fire weather conditions” due to gusty winds, single digit humidity levels, and dry vegetation.
What People Are Saying
The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico said on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday: “Firefighters continue efforts to strengthen control lines for future firing operations and to slow active fire spread to the north and northeast.”
Meteorologist Hannah Fresquez said on X on Monday: “We’re keeping a close eye on these fires as critical fire danger remains in the area. Smoke from both is drifting south, causing hazy skies across the borderland.”
The NWS issued a warning to people downstream of the Trout Fire, saying: “Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory disease such as asthma, should remain indoors. People with heart disease, symptoms such as a fast pulse or heartbeat, shortness of breath, or unusual weakness may indicate a health problem. If you have any of these, call your health care provider.”
What Happens Next
Road closures and evacuation orders remain in force for certain areas as firefighters continue to battle both blazes.
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