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USA Today
2 days ago
- Climate
- USA Today
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. Show Caption Hide Caption 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.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
New Mexico wildfires force evacuations for about 2,000 homes, prompt state of emergency order
Two wildfires in New Mexico are burning over 80,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders and an emergency response from state officials. The Buck Fire is burning over 57,000 acres in Catron County and is 15% contained as of Tuesday night, according to New Mexico Fire Information. Lightning sparked the fire on June 11, authorities said. The Trout Fire started a day later and is burning nearly 25,000 acres in the south of the Gila National Forest. It has no containment, and its cause has not yet been determined. Extreme drought conditions, combined with hot and dry temperatures caused the blaze to grow on Monday, the U.S. Forest Service said in an update Tuesday. Photo posted by the New Mexico's Bureau of Land Management on Monday, June 16, 2025, shows firefighters managing the Buck Fire in Craton County. Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico Residents of about 2,000 homes have been forced to evacuate, according to Stefan La-Sky, a spokesperson for the team managing the Trout Fire. Officials said they were not aware of any injuries or burned structures. Around 875 personnel and 10 helicopters worked to slow the fire on Tuesday, La-Sky said. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in response to the Trout Fire. The governor's declaration will direct the New Mexico Department of Finance Administration to allocate $750,000 to the state's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for emergency response efforts. The New Mexico National Guard will also be deployed to assist, according to the governor's declaration. Photo posted by the New Mexico's Bureau of Land Management on Monday, June 16, 2025, shows firefighters putting out the Buck Fire in Craton County. Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico "I appreciate our federal partners for taking this threat seriously and for doing their part in supporting the responders who are working their hardest to protect the community," Grisham said. The state's Department of Health issued a smoke advisory for Grant and Catron counties. Health officials warned that the smoke will travel based on wind conditions, and air quality may be affected as far as Las Cruces — nearly 130 miles away. A red flag warning is in effect through Wednesday, as temperatures remain in the 90s with extremely low humidity, and wind gusts are expected up to 35 miles per hour. Red flag warnings are issued to indicate the highest level of fire danger.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Firefighters battle two wildfires in Gila National Forest
Hot, dry temperatures and extreme drought conditions caused two wildfires burning in the Gila National Forest to grow prompting changes to evacuation levels on June 17. The Trout grew to 24,706 acres; the Buck fires to 57,736 acres. The Buck fire, which began June 11 southeast of Aragon, is 15% contained, while the Trout Fire remains uncontained. The Trout fire, 12 miles north of Silver City, has not resulted in the loss of any structures, but evacuations have increased to GO (Level 3) in zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and SET (Level 2) in zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Additional evacuation areas will be identified as conditions change. An interactive evacuation map is available through the Southwest Area Incident Management Team website. "Crews are bracing for increased fire activity, and the public should expect the potential for additional changes to evacuation status," a report from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team read. Gusty and erratic winds and lightning will be a concern for the Buck Fire's growth. Temperatures in the 90s with extremely low humidity and wind gusts up to 35 mph will fuel the Trout Fire, according to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team. Red Flag Warnings are in effect June 17 from noon to 9 p.m. in the Buck Fire area and through June 18 in the Trout Fire area. Crews worked late into the evening of June 16 along the Shaw Canyon access road on the northeast corner of the fire to limit eastern spread, according to a Southwest Area Incident Management Team report. Night resources remained on the incident to monitor for hotspots and potential growth along existing containment lines. Fire personnel also continued scouting for potential control features in the north and northwest areas, while additional crews were mobilized in support of future operations, the report read. 'We'd like to thank the community for your continued support," Incident Commander Lino Baca said. "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.' Firefighters are focusing on line preparation ahead of expected fire weather and working to strengthen and secure existing control lines to help limit the spread of the fire on June 17. An increase in acreage was reported due to more accurate mapping June 16, and fire managers were confidently able to add some containment to parts of the fire, the incident management team report read. Members of the public should avoid the Buck Fire area. Unmanned aircraft, such as drones, pose a risk to firefighting operations and can cause air operations to cease, according to the incident management team. The public should avoid driving on New Mexico 163 within the fire area. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) has issued a soft closure to discourage any hikers from hiking through the fire area due to public safety and accountability. Smoke may be visible from Highway 12 southeast of the community of Aragon and southwest of Highway 60. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website. The Trout Fire remained active on June 16, particularly on the east and south flanks. Overnight, crews conducted firing operations to protect property and hold established firelines, according to a Southwest Area Incident Management Team report. Additional personnel and resources arrived to boost suppression efforts and support both day and nighttime shifts. Firefighters are working in round-the-clock rotations to stay ahead of changing conditions, the report read. Firefighters would conduct firing operations on the north and west sides of the fire, build direct handlines along the fire's edge, reinforce dozer lines and identify roads and natural features to serve as control lines on June 17, the incident management team report read. These tactics are used to reduce fuels and create buffers that help protect infrastructure, homes and other values at risk. Firefighting resources are seeking opportunities to prevent additional growth along the south edge of the fire. Aerial resources would assist with water and retardant drops as conditions allow on June 17, but increasing wind and ongoing Red Flag Warnings may limit aircraft use for safety. Crews are continuing to reinforce the progress made on June 16 by removing unburned fuels between control lines and the fire when it is safe to do so, according to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team report. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Gila National Forest wildfires continue to grow
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
New Mexico wildfires force evacuations, spark air quality alerts
Two large wildfires burning in southwestern New Mexico remain 0% contained as intense heat, wind and drought continue to fuel dangerous fire conditions. The Trout Fire, located 12 miles north of Silver City-about 150 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas- has burned 18,278 acres since it was first reported on June 12, according to New Mexico Fire Information. The blaze has triggered evacuation orders for at least 350 homes. "These fires are being fueled by a combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought and very dry vegetation. Low snowpack across the Southwest last winter left the region primed for early-season fire activity," AccuWeather Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said. More than 600 personnel are working to contain the Trout Fire. Crews are using direct handlines and dozer lines to fight the flames, while helicopters assist with water and retardant drops when conditions allow. But the weather continues to complicate efforts, especially at night. "Usually humidity rises overnight and helps us out," Stefan La-Sky, spokesperson for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team said. "But it's remained dry. So we're seeing considerable fire movement even during the night, which we usually don't see." The fire's cause is under investigation. Buck Fire continues to spread About 120 miles to the north, the Buck Fire has burned over 35,000 acres near Aragon, New Mexico. Lightning sparked the fire on June 11, and it continues to spread in grass and timber despite aggressive suppression efforts. Air resources have been key to limiting fire progression along the northern flanks, especially as gusty, erratic winds fueled additional growth Sunday and Monday. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Tuesday as hot, dry conditions persist and winds remain a significant concern. Both fires have prompted area closures and trail shutdowns. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) has asked hikers to avoid sections near the Buck Fire for safety. Officials are urging residents to follow evacuation notices and avoid flying drones in the fire area. "If you fly, we can't," they warned, referencing the risk drones pose to firefighting aircraft. Temperatures in the region remain in the low to mid-90s with extremely low humidity. Winds will begin increasing as red flag conditions move into the region. "Winds across western New Mexico are expected to pick up Friday and remain gusty through next Wednesday. That's going to be a major concern, especially with both fires still at 0% containment," Pastelok said. Wildfire smoke sparks air quality concerns Air quality concerns are also growing as smoke becomes more visible from highways and nearby communities. "Smoke from these fires has already been affecting air quality across the region. Albuquerque will likely see impacts through the rest of the week, and Denver could be affected by the weekend," Pastelok noted. An air quality alert has been issued for parts of Grant County due to smoke from the Trout Fire. Hazardous air quality levels are expected through midday Wednesday. Areas most affected include the Sapillo Creek and Mimbres Valley along Highway 35, as well as along Highway 152 between Santa Clara and San Lorenzo. Health officials urge everyone to avoid outdoor exertion. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should remain indoors. Those with heart conditions experiencing symptoms like a fast pulse, shortness of breath or unusual weakness are advised to contact their healthcare provider.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
New Mexico Wildfire Map Shows Blazes Raging Across 76,000 Acres
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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. Several buildings were destroyed in a wildfire at the Fort Stanton Historic Site in New Mexico in May. Several buildings were destroyed in a wildfire at the Fort Stanton Historic Site in New Mexico in May. Oliver Horn/Fort Stanton Historic Site/AP 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. A Watch Duty wildfire map shows the location and sizes of the Trout and Buck fires in southwest New Mexico. A Watch Duty wildfire map shows the location and sizes of the Trout and Buck fires in southwest New Mexico. Watch Duty 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.
