6/17/25 Trout Fire Update

Changing weather has firefighters on high alert
Morning Update for June 17, 2025

Fire Information Phone: 575-323-8964 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Media Information Phone: 575-323-8984 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Acres: 24,706 (overnight infrared flight) Start Date: June 12, 2025
Location: 12 miles north of Silver City, NM Cause: Undetermined
Personnel: 755 Fuels: Grass, brush and timber
Containment: 0%
Highlights: Extreme drought conditions, combined with hot, dry temperatures, caused the Trout Fire to grow on
Monday, prompting changes to evacuation levels. Crews are bracing for increased fire activity, and the public
should expect the potential for additional changes to evacuation status. No structures have been lost or damaged.
Fire Activity: The Trout Fire remained active yesterday, particularly on the east and south flanks. Overnight,
crews conducted firing operations to protect property and hold established firelines. Additional personnel and
resources have 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.
Today, firefighters may conduct firing operations if fire activity dictates 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. These tactical firing operations are used to reduce available 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 will assist with water and retardant drops as conditions allow but increasing wind and ongoing
Red Flag Warnings may limit aircraft use for safety. Crews will reinforce the progress made during Monday’s
operations by removing unburned fuels between control lines and the fire when it is safe to do so. These efforts
help reduce the fire’s growth potential and increase protection for nearby communities and infrastructure.
Evacuations:
GO (Level 3) – Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; SET (Level 2) – Zone 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Additional evacuation areas will
be identified as conditions change. View the interactive evacuation map here.
(https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/interactivelegend/index.html?appid=4d6aa2593621469692914966
de85cfa4)
The Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter at the Grant County Convention Center (3031 US-180,
Silver City, NM 88061). High Desert Humane Society will accommodate pets, and the rodeo grounds at the
Southwest Horseman’s Association are open to receive livestock.
Weather: Temperatures remain in the 90s with extremely low humidity and wind gusts up to 35 mph prompting
a Red Flag warning through Wednesday.
Closures & Fire Restrictions: The Gila National Forest has issued a closure order for the fire area
(https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts/trout-fire-area-closure). Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place
(https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts/stage-2-fire-restrictions) and a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in
effect (https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_3951).
More Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/nmgnf-trout-fire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest
Email: 20********@*****et.gov