Evacuations ordered in New Mexico as wildfires scorch over 80,000 acres
Evacuations ordered in New Mexico as wildfires scorch over 80,000 acres Two wildfires – the Trout Fire and the Buck Fire – are raging in southwest New Mexico and have closed part of a national forest.
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What causes wildfires? Here's how they can start
Wildfires can be devastating to communities and habitats. Here's how wildfires often start.
Two wildfires fueled by extreme drought and dry heat have burned over 80,000 acres in New Mexico, prompting evacuation orders and closing part of a national forest.
The Trout Fire, which began on June 12, has burned 14,706 acres and was 0% contained as of late June 17. The fire's cause is still unknown, but weather conditions helped it quickly grow and cross a state highway, according to the National Forest Service. It's burning in Gila National Forest, about 15 miles away from Silver City in the southwest part of the state with a population of nearly 10,000.
Another fire, dubbed the Buck Fire, was started on June 11 by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm and has spread in Catron County. It has burned 57,736 acres and was 15% contained as of late June 17, according to New Mexico Fire Information.
"The team is working diligently to limit fire growth while minimizing impacts to grazing areas by keeping the fire footprint as small as possible. With fuels advisories in effect and limited resources available in the event of an emergency, firefighter and public safety remains our highest priority," Incident Commander Lino Baca said of the Buck Fire.
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